Chinese Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao has urged local officials in southwest China's Guizhou Province to focus on economic development and work sincerely to serve the interests of the people.

Only in this way can the Communist Party of China (CPC) win support from the large majority of the population, become more powerful, keep pace with the times, and share a common destiny with the Chinese people, he said.

Wen, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in underdeveloped Guizhou from November 21 to 24.

During his stay in the province, Wen Jiabao evaluated current efforts to alleviate poverty very carefully, noting that developing local economy and raising the living standard of the poor should be given top priority.

He visited local villages and talked with villagers to gather information about issues such as farmers' income and the efforts to reduce farmers' financial burdens.

The vice-premier praised small-loan scheme as an effective method for assisting poor farmers.

(People's Daily November 25, 2002)