China's western development strategy has brought great changes to the regions and should be continued, said Premier Wen Jiabao during his inspection tour in Golmud, northwest China's Qinghai Province from April 30 to May 1.

"The central government has been proved right in highlighting ecological protection, infrastructure construction, energy resources, science and technology, education and health improvement in its western development strategy," said Wen.

Golmud is rich in oil and gas resources. Wen said that China would face energy shortages for a long time and that the next 20 years would be "a special period with strategic opportunities" for China's energy development.

"An energy-saving model should be adopted while maintaining stable oil output," he said.

On May 1, the International Labor Day, the premier went to the construction site of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, the world's highest and longest railway, and extended holiday greetings to the workers.

(Xinhua News Agency May 3, 2005)