Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (3rd R) inspects a factory in east China's Zhejiang Province Aug. 27, 2004. Wen Jiabao inspected rural areas and enterprises in Zhejiang Province on Aug. 27-29. (Xinhua photo/Fan Rujun)

    HANGZHOU, Aug. 30 (Xinhuanet) -- Premier Wen Jiabao has pledged that China will adhere to its fundamental economic system, with public ownership pre-dominent 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.

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

    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. Enditem