China to Stay the Course

Chinese premier vows to adhere to basic economic system From People’s Daily online

Premier Wen Jiabao has pledged that China will adhere to its fundamental economic system, with public ownership pre-dominant and other types of ownerships being developed simultaneously.

China will unswervingly consolidate and develop its public sector while encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of non-public sectors, said the premier, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, during a recent inspection tour of east China's Zhejiang province.

Between August 27-29, the premier made an inspection tour of this coastal province which is one of the most economically developed areas in the country.

Wen visited some villages in Taizhou, Wenzhou and Hangzhou cities which were badly hit by a disastrous typhoon. He comforted villagers on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

The premier also held talks with company leaders of local businesses with different ownerships. He reiterated that private companies are an important component part of the country's socialist market economy.

To encourage, support and guide the development of non-State business is important for building a well-off society and to speed up modernization in China, Premier Wen said.

He urged private entrepreneurs to abide by the law, pay taxes in accordance with law and guarantee the legal rights of their employees.

Wen proposed several suggestions to enhance a healthy development of non-State businesses.

The rights and interest of non-State enterprises should be protected according to the law, while such enterprises should do business legally, pay taxes according to the law, and guarantee their employees' rights and interests. Policies that encourage, support and guide the development of non-State businesses are to be made while non-State enterprises should carefully implement national industrial policies, environmental protection policies and other policies. The State will create a fair market environment for non-State enterprises and further widen the entrance into the market while non-State enterprises should consciously abide by market rules. The State will make it easier for the financing of non-State enterprises while businesses should, according to national regulations, maintain their financial affairs and funds management in good order in the financial markets. There should be public support for the development of non-State businesses in society while non-State enterprises should upgrade by innovation so that they win the confidence of society by products and services of good quality. Wen heard a report on the work of the CPC Provincial Committee and the provincial government. He spoke highly of the achievements Zhejiang has made in the reform, opening and modernization drive.



» Find more of the online edition.