The premier made the remarks during an inspection tour around Beijing ahead of the traditional Chinese Spring Festival, which falls on January 24 this year.

"Beijing is faced with a number of tasks in its modernization drive, but the most important thing is to gear up economic development, enhance urban management, protect the environment and safeguard social stability," Zhu stressed.

On economic development, Zhu pointed out that more efforts should be made to promote economic restructuring, develop the tertiary industry and upgrade local information infrastructure.

Meanwhile, equal importance should be attached to urban infrastructure construction and the establishment of a modern urban management system, he stressed.

The premier also urged related departments to work hard to improve Beijing's environment by enhancing control of vehicle emission, industrial pollution and the management of construction sites.

"Safeguarding social security is of crucial importance to both the capital's modernization cause and the overall progress of the country's reform, development and stability," noted Zhu, who urged Beijing officials to give top priority to maintaining social stability.

He said that efforts should be continued to crack down on hostile forces, law-breaking activities and the Falun Gong cult, which intends to undermine social stability.

Zhu made a special note on Beijing's bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games, saying that the central government and all Chinese people will render full support for the bid.

He said that Beijing should take this opportunity to further improve its environment and services.

During his inspection tour, Zhu was accompanied by Vice-Premier Li Lanqing, Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao, State Councilor Luo Gan, State Councilor Wang Zhongyu, top Beijing officials Jia Qinglin and Liu Qi.

(Xinhua 01/20/2001)