Efforts should be made to develop Northeast China, one of the country's oldest industrial bases, into a zone that is well structured and competitive, according to a State Council meeting yesterday.

The meeting, chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao, focused on how to implement the strategy to rejuvenate Northeast China.

It was agreed at the meeting that the northeastern region of the country should become one of the key areas to contribute to the growth of the national economy.

It was pointed out at the meeting that reform should be furthered and opening up enhanced in Northeast China.

To rejuvenate the region, the market system should be relied on and the industrial structure should be upgraded in the region to propel development.

The region should be independent in seeking to further develop, while the central government will give necessary support.

Stressing that rejuvenation of the northeastern region is a long-term strategic task, the meeting has called relevant departments as well as local governments at all levels to attach great importance to the effort and strengthen co-ordination.

While the development of the west and the rejuvenation of the northeast are going on, the development of the eastern region, where the economy is booming, should continue to be encouraged.

The northeastern region, which stretches across Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces, used to be China's industrial base and was seen as a role model under a planned economy in the early years of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

But the region's economic growth has been slow compared with the east and south regions in the wake of the reform and opening-up drive.

(China Daily 09/11/2003 page1)