China's new national energy leading group, headed by Premier Wen
Jiabao, convened its first meeting on Thursday.
Alongside Wen, vice premiers Huang Ju
and Zeng
Peiyan are serving as deputy directors of the group.
At Thursday's meeting Wen outlined the group's responsibilities,
saying it is in charge of energy strategy and major policies, the
development and conservation of energy resources, energy security
and emergency responses as well as energy cooperation with foreign
parties.
Energy is an important strategic issue concerning China's
economic growth, social stability and national security, said Wen,
adding that the central government attaches great importance to the
issue.
Group members must fully appreciate the significance and urgency
of energy work in China, Wen said.
At the meeting it was agreed that the strategic importance of
energy must be emphasized.
In recent years, China has suffered serious energy supply
shortages, which has restricted the country's economic and social
progress. The country's industrialization, urbanization and
modernization have created an increased demand for energy.
The group decided to make mid- and long-term national plans for
energy development to adjust the country's energy structure.
Priority is to be given to coal mining and power supply
projects. Particular effort will go toward building large coal
production bases, enhancing coal mining technologies and improving
coal supply routes.
It was agreed that power supply projects, power grid
construction and the development of key equipment in the power
industry are all areas that need improvement.
(China Daily June 4, 2005)