Joining the Yunnan delegation to deliberate the NPC Standing Committee work report, Li Changchun exchanged ideas with the deputies on how to build democracy, boost education in the border regions inhabited by ethnic minorities, and foster the cultural industry in rural areas.

Li Changchun (R front), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with deputies to the First Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) from southwest China's Yunnan Province in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2008.

He called for innovation in the cultural sector to enhance diversity, and application of new technologies to renovate conventional means of communication.

During discussions with the Shaanxi delegation, Xi Jinping said the northwestern province should underscore innovation to develop itself into an economic powerhouse in western China.

Xi Jinping (L front), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with deputies to the First Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) from northwest China's Shaanxi Province in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2008.

Shaanxi should give fully play to its advantages in science and technology, balance urban and rural development, foster the private sector while reinforcing the public sector.

He said the province needs also to improve the livelihood of the people and explore new ways in the betterment of the people's lives in underdeveloped regions.

While joining the lawmakers from the Chongqing delegation, Li Keqiang said that China, as a country with a big population of farmers, must balance urban and rural development in the modernization process.

Li Keqiang (2nd L), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with deputies to the First Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2008.

Chongqing should accelerate the pace of rejuvenating the old industrial base, make great efforts to develop the Three Gorges area, improve people's livelihood and make new strides in social and economic development, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2008)