Vice-Premier Li Lanqing has called for deeper reforms in the agricultural research institutions, in order to boost overall economic and social development in rural areas.
Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remark during a recent inspection tour of Shaanxi Province, northwest China, from October 23-25.
During his stay, the vice premier visited the Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Model Area and a number of research institutions, companies and schools in Xi'an, the provincial capital, and in Yan'an, in the northern part of the province.
The official held talks with local officials on the development of the Yangling area, the promotion of educational innovation, and the availability of loans for university students.
Li praised the economic and social progress in Shaanxi Province and the achievements in agricultural science and technology made by the Yangling area.
He called for strategic structural readjustment to be carried out in the rural economy, and urged agricultural research institutions to help modernize the farming sector with hi-tech methods.
(People's Daily October 28, 2002)
