Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday stressed the importance and urgency of government reform, and called for sustained and sincere efforts to build governance based on the system of law, focused on service and moved by efficiency.

He made the remarks during a keynote speech at a national teleconference on accelerating government reform.

Wen urged government officials to bring innovation government management, pointing out that the current administrative management system lags far behind the country's economic development, causing many deep-rooted problems.

"Only through self-improvement and innovation in management can governments meet the need of developing a market economy and building a harmonious society," he said.

To achieve these goals, efforts must be made to prevent government from intervening in the running of enterprises, so that the latter can make independent production, operation and investment decisions.

Governments must be prohibited from attracting investment or business opportunities on behalf of the enterprises. Instead, they should focus on serving the enterprises and improving the market order, the premier said.

Also, governments at all levels should simplify their approval systems to give more freedom to enterprises.

Government officials at all levels, and leading officials in particular, should carefully study the newly-published selected works of former leader Jiang Zemin, implement his thought of "Three Represents" on the advanced nature of the Party, and recognize the importance and urgency of the government's own reform, he said.

He also asked governments to strengthen supervision, especially on employment, education, public health, and environment protection, areas closely related to the interests of the public.

The governments should further regularize their powers, strengthen the campaign against corruption and provide good governance which will prevent the misuse of power and increase credibility, Wen noted.

"Our powers are given by the people and we must serve the people heart and soul," he said.

(China Daily September 5, 2006)