Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called for the continuation of the western development strategy at a conference held by the State Council, China's cabinet.

Wen praised the achievements of the strategy over the past few years and pointed out that scientific development approaches should continue to guide it.

Major tasks to develop the western regions at present and in the future should include increasing farmers' income, stepping up agricultural and rural development, optimizing industrial structure, protecting the environment, returning farmland to forest and pasture, and improving infrastructure.

The meeting also stressed the importance of developing the western regions in other ways, such as increasing job opportunities and speeding up the development of public health, culture and education. The State Council has also decided to increase transfer payments to the western regions and improve east-west economic cooperation.

China initiated the western development strategy in 2000 to help the relatively backward west catch up with the more prosperous east. The strategy is supported by a series of preferential policies for the development of the western regions, including more investment, preferential tax rates and flexible policies.

Source: Xinhua