Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong paid a visit to Shanxi Province, north China, from September
7-11, urging the country's largest coal production base to develop
in a scientific way and achieve coordinated, sustainable
development.
During his stay, the vice president visited local companies in
the coal, steel and machinery industries as well as some villages
in Changzhi, Jincheng and Taiyuan cities.
In talks with local officials, Zeng supported the province's
efforts to develop a new energy industry and coal-based chemical
industry and its goal to become a major economic and cultural power
in the country.
He also praised Shanxi for its creative approach to implementing
the "New Village" strategy. In coal-producing areas, for instance,
each coal mine is obliged to financially support one village.
Greater efforts should be made to improve people's lives, build
a harmonious society, and maintain social stability, by increasing
job opportunities, improving social security, and reorganizing
distribution, the vice president said. He urged local authorities
to minimize the number of coal mine accidents that are caused by
disorders in the coal mining industry.
Regarding the forthcoming reshuffle of the provincial committee
of the Communist Party of China (CPC), he said it should be done in
a wholly democratic manner, so as to select a new provincial Party
leadership that is energetic, hard-working, and satisfactory to the
people.
(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2006)
