Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan briefed economists attending the Nobel Laureates Beijing Forum 2005 in Beijing Monday on China's major tasks to establish a harmonious society.

At the opening ceremony of the forum, Zeng said in his address that firstly, China will make efforts to achieve the stable and rapid growth of its economy, meanwhile encouraging diverse forms of ownership and flexible means of employment, so as to increase working opportunities for the labor force.

Secondly, China will promote the intellectual and spiritual quality of the general public by encouraging respect for work and knowledge, and fostering talent and creativity. China will make efforts to protect intellectual property, and support investment and business, he said.

Thirdly, China will work for coordinating development between urban and rural areas and between various regions, Zeng said. It will continue its efforts to develop its western region, to revitalize northeast China and other old industrial bases, and to promote the development of its poverty-stricken regions, in a bid to provide fair opportunities for each person and to allow them to benefit from China's development.

Fourthly, China will try to make further progress in education, public health, social security, environmental protection and public service.

Lastly, China will double efforts to build its legal system and further democratization, Zeng said.

"China's development not only creates an important opportunity for the world, but also provides a practical example for economic research," Zeng said, hoping that all these economists attending the forum would pay more attention to China's development and give suggestions for China's reform, opening-up and modernization.

The forum, with the theme of "Harmony and Development of Humankind", is scheduled to be held from May 30 to June 1 in the Chinese capital.

(Xinhua News Agency May 31, 2005)