Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), urged the united front and the CPPCC at all levels to play their roles to the fullest and contribute to the country's reform, opening-up and modernization drive.

During an inspection tour in northwest China's Shaanxi Province from July 31 to Aug. 5, Jia said that to fulfill the main tasks designed for national development is the motivation and also the goal of the work of the united front and the CPPCC.

The united front and the CPPCC can only maintain their vitality and vigor and make headway if they proceed in line with the trends of the times and advance in a creative and innovative manner, said Jia, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The national campaign to develop the vast western parts of the country and to advance the country's modernization drive provide opportunities for the united front and the CPPCC to make full play of their roles, he said.

Jia visited enterprises, scientific research institutions and hi-tech development zones in Shaanxi and listened to reports on local united front and CPPCC work.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2003)