Chinese President Hu Jintao (C) talks with a local farmer in Ordos of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 17, 2007. Hu, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made a visit to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from Nov. 17 to 19, 2007. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Nov. 20 -- Chinese President Hu Jintao has just wrapped up a three day inspection of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Accompanied by local Party and government officials, Hu visited companies and homes in major cities including Erdos and Hohhot.

    Inner Mongolia has vast areas of both pastures and desert. Hu Jintao has stressed the need for environmental and ecological protection. He listened to the local government report on its work to protect the rich resources of the prairies. And he called for more efforts in restoring the forests and pastures.

    Energy is also a major issue. Hu Jintao visited a factory belonging to the Shenhua Group, which is working on a project to produce liquefied coal. Hu Jintao said the project would contribute greatly to the country's energy security. The President also visited a renewable energy industrial center. He praised the center's work and called for more efficient use of energy.

    During his inspection tour, Hu Jintao also visited low-income families.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd, L) visits a local residence in Hohhot, capital of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 19, 2007. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

 

    Hu said, "The government is working hard to make sure that children have access to schools, old people get pensions, sick people can afford medical treatment, and housing conditions are good. That will be a true harmonious society."

    Hu said, "The party and the government have promised that no children will be excluded from school because their families have financial difficulties."

    At the home of a retired worker, Hu Jintao talked about the government's efforts to improve pensioners' lives.

    Hu said, "The government has decided that starting from next year, for three years in a row, we'll raise the pension standards for retired workers. "

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd, L) visits a residence of Mongolia ethnic group in Ordos of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 17, 2007. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Hu Jintao stressed that the improvement of people's lives would be a top priority for the party and the government.

    (Source: cctv.com)