On Wednesday following talks about the country's current
economic development an executive meeting of the State Council,
China's cabinet, outlined its top priorities.
The meeting was chaired by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. A report from the meeting said the
overall economic situation was "good" and the nation's economy
continued to grow "fast but steadily."
The report pointed out, however, that fast growth in fixed asset
investment, over extended loans, shortages of energy resources and
pollution remained major problems facing the country.
It urged all regions and departments to carry out the economic
blueprint of the Communist Party of China Central Committee
produced earlier this year and to step up the adjustment of the
economic structure, change growth patterns and further deepen
reforms.
"Continuous efforts should be focused on agriculture and rural
work to ensure the steady increase of grain production and the
incomes of farmers," said the report from the meeting. "The fast
growth in the fixed asset investment should be firmly curbed," it
emphasized.
The meeting urged all departments concerned to "strictly"
control the approval of new construction projects, to reduce the
land available for building and cut back bank lending.
Further measures need to be taken to improve the
availability of housing and stabilize property prices, it
noted.
The report also said the fast pace of loans being
granted needs to slow down but added that more support should
be given to agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises in
terms of extending loans.
The report indicated that tough measures would be taken against
those responsible for pollution. .
The meeting also called for balanced development in the
country's foreign trade, further strengthening of control on the
export of high energy consumption products, resources-intensive
products and goods produced by industries which caused heavy
pollution.
They promised to continue improving their work and make every
effort to solve problems related to the interests of the
people.
(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2006)