Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao emphasized enhancing independent innovative capability of enterprises during his inspection tour of Anhui and Hunan provinces from August 11 to 14.

He also touched upon promoting agricultural development and improving the performance of institutions of higher learning.

"To survive and stay ahead in fierce market competitions, enterprises must enhance independent innovative capability and constantly increase their core competitive power," Wen said duringhis visit to the Chery Automobile Co Ltd in Anhui Province on August 11.

Chery, a fast rising star in China's automobile industry, is known for independent innovation among its peers.

According to Yin Chengyao, president of Chery, the company is developing three series of gas and diesel engines with a planned capacity of 400,000 units a year.

After Chery, Wen also visited a few other enterprises, including an iron and steel company and a hard alloy company.

In Xiangtan, Hunan Province, Wen chatted with local farmers on August 12, asking about their livelihood and expectations.

He told the farmers not to worry about the continuity of government policies in their favor.

"Please rest assured that the good policies will not change. If there will be any changes in the policies at all, they will becomemore favorable to you," said Wen.

He said that the government will increase investment on building roads, water conservancy projects and power grids in major grain production areas. Meanwhile, the government will promote agricultural production through other measures, including education and scientific research.

He asked local government leaders to do more concrete things for farmers to boost the development of the countryside.

Wen met with Yuan Longping, a Chinese scientist renowned for his research in hybrid rice, in Hunan on August 13 and spoke highly of his contributions.

During his visit to the Central South University in Hunan on August 13, Wen asked the university to pay attention to the all-round development of the students and cultivate top-notch talents. He also asked the students to have the interests of the people in mind while pursuing academic attainments.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2005)