Chinese Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao Monday called for nationwide efforts to comprehensively improve the development, utilization and protection of land resources.
Land resources are a fundamental condition for economic and social development, Wen said, adding that it is important to be aware of China's shortage of some natural resources due to a large population, said Wen.
How to make best use of limited natural resources will be vital in the coming new century when China will carry out its tenth five-year plan and press forward its modernization program, the vice-premier said at a national conference on land resources which ended here Monday.
Wen demanded the department of land resources to focus on some important work, such as a new round of land investigation, the establishment of a land resources planning system, and rational use and protection of land resources.
The land resources department should also study to make good use of domestic and foreign resources, optimize the resources utilization structure, and create a suitable environment for the development of the land market, he added.
The vice-premier urged governments at all levels to enhance law enforcement in the management of land resources and crack down on illegal exploitation and use of land resources according to law.
(Xinhua 12/26/2000)
