国内英语新闻:Senior Chinese leader urges efforts to ensure growth and stability

ZHENGZHOU, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese leader Jia Qinglin urged making all-out efforts to ensure economic growth, care for the lives of people and ensure stability during a research trip.

    Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the call during a visit to central Henan Province from April 17 to 23, where he visited enterprises, urban and rural communities, research agencies and colleges.

    There had been positive changes in China's economic development as the central government's macroeconomic policies started to pay off, Jia said. But downward pressure was still great, said Jia, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Jia Qinglin (2nd R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, shakes hands with students at Henan Agricultural University in central China's Henan Province, April 21, 2009. Jia Qinglin made an inspection tour in Henan Province on April 17-23

Jia called for more support for companies, especially small and medium-sized ones, and help enterprises to increase exports and carry out technological upgrading.

    He urged government departments to resolve the employment problems of rural workers and college graduates and expand the coverage of basic pension and health-care systems as well as the minimum living allowance system.

    Great importance should be attached to work safety and the quality and safety of food and medicine, Jia said.

    He also urged better work on promoting grain production, increasing farmers' incomes, building housing for low-income earners and improving the development of small towns.