Initiatives to combat smuggling are important to safeguard China's national interests, said Premier Wen Jiabao. He made the comments on Wednesday as he was visiting an exhibition on anti-smuggling work.

Wen, along with Vice President Zeng Qinghong and Luo Gan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited the exhibition to show their support for the fight against smuggling.

Such endeavors help to rectify and regulate market order, Wen said, and play an important role in promoting clean government, combating graft and increasing fiscal revenue.

Wen also praised those who had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Zeng stressed coordination and cooperation among different regions and departments in the fight against smuggling.

Luo said that preventing smuggling is still an arduous task, and that it is important to motivate people from all walks of life in the campaign.

State Councilor Hua Jianmin also attended the exhibition.

(Xinhua News Agency November 12, 2004)