President Jiang Zemin said in Beijing that the development of China's western areas is a key strategy in the realization of China's goal to be a developed, modern country.

He made these remarks at a meeting of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held to consult with other democratic parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and non-party figures involved with the western development strategy, the People's Daily reported on Saturday.

Jiang expressed his appreciation of the enthusiasm of the above-mentioned organizations and figures for the strategy and their policy suggestions.

He believed that the development of the western regions will be important for the progress of China's economy in the 21st century.

He said the strategy will help develop China's economy, stabilize local society and contribute to China's unity.

He noted that the implementation of the strategy has got off to a good start thanks to the State Council's preliminary policies, the enthusiasm of cadres and the masses in the west and the participation of non-Communist party figures.

Jiang stressed the importance of the principle of sticking to the facts in the development process and added that good planning and priorities must be adhered to in choosing projects.

The president said that developing the west will take generations of strenuous effort, so any short-term behaviour must be avoided.

Jiang expressed confidence that the non-Communist parties, the ACFIC and the independent figures attending the meeting will make great contributions to the western development strategy, as they boast rich human, material and intellectual resources.

Other leaders including Zhu Rongji, Li Ruihuan, Hu Jintao, Wen Jiabao and Zeng Qinghong were present at the meeting.

The non-communist parties, the ACFIC and the non-party figures have sent more than 200 people to China's western regions to conduct research and investigations between May and June.

Based on their investigations, many helpful suggestions on the western development strategy have been put forward, especially concerning environmental protection, the fundamental construction of infrastructure, education and technical renovation issues.

(China Daily)