国内英语新闻：Senior Chinese leader urges new development in Heilongjiang

HARBIN, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin on Saturday urged new social and economic development in northeast China's Heilongjiang province, in accordance with the country's strategy to revitalize the old industrial base.

    Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the requirement during an inspection tour of Heilongjiang from Aug. 26 to 30. He visited local farms, enterprises and research institutes.

    He said Heilongjiang, the country's largest production base of commodity grain, should make more efforts on grain production, by further increasing agricultural input and infrastructure construction.

Jia Qinglin (C), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), visits a farm in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 29, 2008, during his inspection tour in Heilongjiang from Aug. 26 to 30

    In addition, the province should promote the development of agricultural science and technology, and further arouse farmers' initiatives for farming.

    Meanwhile, Heilongjiang, as one of China's important industrial bases, should invigorate its equipment manufacturing industry, to make more contributions to the country's industrialization and national defense.

    Jia, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, showed great concerns on local ethnic minorities' lives, saying the government should continue to help them lead harmonious and happy lives.

Jia Qinglin (2nd R, front), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), visits the Harbin Boiler Company in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 29, 2008, during his inspection tour in Heilongjiang from Aug. 26 to 30.