Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday called for the relevant departments to boost the economy of the northeastern industrial base through sustainable development.

The rejuvenation of the northeastern industrial base has progressed well, said Wen.

He said the reforms of state-owned enterprises should be continued, while inspiring the growth of the private economic sector and cooperation with other regions and neighboring countries.

The Premier encouraged the former industrial base, also the country's traditional granary, to develop modern agriculture and step up the building of major grain commodities production bases.

The structure of industry should be adjusted, acknowledged the Premier, who urged the development of high-tech industry and the service sector.

Meanwhile, a system for environment protection and ecological compensation is also required, Wen said, calling for the establishment of surveillance and warning systems for environment protection in the northeastern Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces.

The Premier also urged the local governments to take effective measures to tackle the reemployment of laid-off workers and expand the social insurance system for local needy residents at the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency June 7, 2006)