Wu Bangguo, China's top legislator, called on the country's underdeveloped western regions to promote sustainable economic and social development during an inspection tour of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from March 18 to 22.
 
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said, "Western China, including Ningxia, should seize the golden opportunity of the country's unprecedented initiative in developing the region to achieve economic prosperity."
  
Wu asked Ningxia to "give full play" to its rich agricultural, livestock and energy resources and to continue to improve farming and develop cash products, such as Chinese wolfberry.
  
He also said the region should step up efforts in infrastructure construction and make better and rational use of its natural resources, such as water, farmland, and mineral resources.
  
Wu instructed the autonomous region to further develop its coal and electricity industry which has been the mainstay of the region.

To build a "harmonious society" in China, Wu urged the region to take effective measures to solve farmer's difficulties in accessing drinkable water, medical service and education for children.

(Xinhua News Agency March 23, 2005)