Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited two hospitalized centenarian economists, Xue Muqiao and Chen Hansheng, respectively in Beijing Sunday.

At the Beijing Hospital, Wen extended greetings for the Chinese Lunar New Year to 100-year-old Xue Muqiao and his family. The premier spoke highly of Xue's contribution in boosting China's economic reform and development, and the far-reaching effect of his academic thoughts on China's economic research and policy-making.

Wen later visited Chen Hansheng, 108, at the Beijing Union Medical College Hospital. The premier praised Chen as a pioneer in China's economic research and a devoted educationist with creative thinking.

The premier called on the country's economists to learn from Xue and Chen and carry forward the essence of their research. He also asked relevant departments to ensure the well-being of old economists after their retirement.

Both economists are academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Xue's works have had an active role in China's economic research since the 1930s. Chen, also a renowned sociologist, historian and specialist on politics and international issues, had studied in the United States and Germany before he became a professor at the prestigious Beijing University in 1924.

(Xinhua News Agency January 26, 2004)