Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Thursday called on people in Inner Mongolia to exert themselves to protect the local eco-environment, which, he said, will have a direct bearing not only on the survival and development of the people in the region but also on the implementation of the national strategy for a sustainable development.
The region should do everything possible to curb the momentum of the deterioration of the eco-environment, Zhu said after hearing the presentations by a group of deputies to the legislative National People's Congress.
He encouraged the region to work unremittingly, step by step and according to a plan so as to restore the vast grassland to its past glory.
Zhu said that Inner Mongolia must be firm in displaying its unique advantages in livestock breeding and develop a modern processing industry of international level compatible with the development of animal husbandry.
He also called on the local authorities to ensure adequate food and clothing for all the people in areas that were hit by serious natural disasters over the last two years.
(Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2002)
