In doing this, the SEZ should adhere to the guidance of Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of "Three Represents," said Premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday during an inspection tour of the city in Guangdong Province, south China.

Wen, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, arrived in Shenzhen Tuesday morning after attending the celebration activities marking the sixth anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, and the signing ceremony of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Hong Kong and the mainland.

During his inspection tour, Wen told medical workers at Shenzhen Donghu Hospital that Chinese medical workers did an outstanding job in the fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and they are heroes who have made great contributions for the country and people.

Wen expressed great concern about Shenzhen's high-tech development and inspected local high-tech enterprises, encouraging them to improve their technological competitive edges.

He listened to the work report of the Guangdong provincial and Shenzhen municipal governments, and praised their achievements in combating SARS and developing the economy.

Wen said that China has entered a new phase of building a relatively affluent society and accelerating socialist modernization. The Shenzhen SEZ should play a leading role in implementing the reform and open-up policies and stepping up modernization.

He asked Shenzhen to deepen reform, seize the development opportunity, open wider to the outside world, and promote sustainable social and economic development.

During his tour, Wen also paid respect to the statue of late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in Lianhuashan Park and visited local residents.

(Xinhua News Agency July 3, 2003)