Wei Jianxing, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said the Party committees and governments at all levels give great importance to helping impoverished or needy workers.

At a meeting marking the project, Wei, also president of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, called on trade unions at all levels to pay more attention to needy workers nationwide.

Trade unions should invest more in poverty relief, and help needy workers improve their technological level and increase competitiveness, said Wei.

He urged trade union officials to visit needy workers, keep abreast with their requirements, and offer efficient help to those facing economic difficulties. The project should also be linked to the establishment of the social security system.

(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2002)