China's southernmost island province of Hainan should make better use of its abundant resources in a more environment-friendly way, Premier Zhu Rongji said during a tour of the province from April 9 to 13.
Zhu called on local officials to build the tropical island into a prosperous and beautiful place ruled by law.
Hainan should make better use of its rich resources, readjust and optimize industrial structure, improve ecological protection and promote economic development in a sustained, fast and healthy way, the premier said.
In the company of Hainan provincial officials, Zhu Rongji called for better ways to promote tropical farming and reduce the burden on farmers.
He urged the province to promote tourism industry and make it one of its pillar industries, noting that Hainan enjoys broad prospects in expanding its tourism sector.
Hainan is rich in tourism resources, including long tropical beaches, rain forest, hot springs and unique folk customs.
A sound natural ecological environment is an advantage for Hainan and an important foundation for promoting its economy, therefore efforts should be made to treasure and protect the environment, said the premier.
The premier said new industrial projects to be launched on the island must meet stringent international environmental requirements, and efforts should be made to ensure that they will in no way destroy local forest resources or harm the environment.
Environmental protection has been part of China's national policy, Zhu Rongji said.
(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2002)
