Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao set tasks for rejuvenating northeast China and other old industrial bases at a meeting held in Shenyang Monday.

The areas "should continue to prevent over-investment, strengthen adjustment of economic operation, ease the tension caused by the short supply of coal, electricity, oil and transport capacity, and properly handle newly emerged issues," Wen told the symposium on rejuvenating northeast China and other old industrial bases held in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

He said the macro-control policy of the state must be carried out continuously, and that macro-control has provided good opportunities for the rejuvenation of northeast China.

Wen said northeast China should pay special attention to agriculture and strengthen its strategic role as China's commodity grain base. It should also develop modern, high-efficiency farming to increase the income of farmers.

He asked northeast China and other old industrial bases to vigorously push forward the upgrading of industrial structure, speed up reform of state-owned enterprises and further open up to the outside world.

"Equipment manufacture, new and high-tech industry, basic industries, infrastructure construction and tertiary industry should receive a boost," said Wen.

He asked these areas to coordinate "the harmonious development of man and nature" and to pursue the path of sustainable development.

"Policies on solving urgent issues, including the bankruptcy of depleted mines, the arrangement of workers of bankrupt mines and the relocation of residents from cave-in areas, have priority and should be specifically implemented," he said.

Wen also urged strengthening education, improving the use of human talent and solving issues pertaining to "the vital interests of the masses."

The rejuvenation of northeast China has made a good start, he said, but there are still many difficulties and problems ahead. "We should prepare for long-term struggle," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2004)