Top political advisor Jia Qinglin has urged northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region to accelerate its economic restructuring, improve the livelihoods of its residents and promote ethnic unity and social harmony.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), called on local authorities to

facilitate the development of modern industry with local features duing his research tour in Ningxia on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Jia encouraged the region to use opportunities created through China's "western development strategy" and promote steady and sound economic growth.

He said the region should promote the development of modern agriculture and raise productivity to guarantee the country's grain security.

Jia encouraged local enterprises to get involved in environmental protection and ecological projects.

Local governments should continue to give more support for environmental protection efforts and build an "ecological safety belt" in the region, he said.

As a large number of Ningxia's population are Muslims, Jia also stressed the importance of correctly handling problems concerning ethnic minorities and religions.

Local governments should devote more efforts to improving the living standards of ethnic groups, ensuring that they have adequate educational opportunities and protecting their cultures, Jia said.