Premier Wen Jiabao pledged that his government will stand new challenges and live up to the expectations of the people, when he met a group of Chinese and overseas journalists at a press conference shortly after the conclusion of the parliament session Sunday afternoon.?

The premier called the year 2003 an extraordinary year as China won an "important victory" over the outbreak of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome") and scored "obvious achievements" in its economic development. But the achievements are only a reflection of the past, he said.

"A wise nation is one good at learning, especially the one that is good at learning from difficulties," Wen acknowledged. The most crucial are the experience, lessons and revelation they have brought about instead of achievements.

This year's goal is to maintain a balanced, relatively-fast economic growth, the premier said. The most difficult problems involved agriculture, rural areas and farmers, and what he cares most are matters pertaining to people's interests.

The premier pledged to continue reform, innovation and forging ahead courageously.

(Xinhua News Agency March 14, 2004)