Premier Wen Jiabao stressed the importance of the development of central China at a seminar in Changsha, capital of Hunan Province, on Sunday, noting that it is a key strategic part of the country.

He added that the region's rise should be directed by its specific characteristics and boosted by new thinking.

Central Chinese provinces have the advantage of location and comprehensive resources, and are key production bases for agricultural products, energy and raw materials, he said.

He said it is also a relatively strong industrial base with a skilled workforce and many historical and cultural resources.

Wen said central government attaches great importance to the region, and the State Council and local governments have conducted a great number of research projects and created policies and suggestions.

Innovation and energy saving should be stressed in developing central China, major crop production bases should be prioritized and reform of rural areas deepened, he said.

Construction of energy and key raw material production bases and renovation of old industrial bases should also be boosted, he said.

Leading officials from China's six central provinces of Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei and Hunan attended the seminar.

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2005)