BEIJING, Jan. 19 -- Vice Premier Li Keqiang has inspected reconstruction work in Gansu, one of the provinces hit by the devastating earthquake last May.

    Li says improving people's livelihoods is crucial to boosting the local economy. He also called for more measures to increase employment and provide more housing for people in rural areas.

    Rural reconstruction was Li Keqiang's biggest concern during his tour to northwestern China's Gansu province.

Villager Zhao Danlin (2nd L, front) displays his relief coupon to Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L, front) in the Longtou Village of Longnan City, in northwest China's Gansu Province, on Jan. 16, 2009. Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau, made an inspection tour in Gansu Province from Jan. 15 through 17. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Photo Gallery>>>

    The May 12th earthquake last year razed their homes to the ground. But after months of rebuilding, these villagers in southern Gansu are now preparing for the spring festival in their new houses.

    Li Keqiang asked about the living conditions in their new homes, and said good quality rebuilding should be stepped up. He called for more measures to help locals rebuild their houses saying this can also stimulate consumer spending and promote economic growth.

    The Vice Premier visited some families in another village to see how they are getting on. He also stopped by at a family where elderly parents live with their disabled child with almost no income. Li Keqiang urged the local government to provide more assistance to help these families shake off poverty.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) visits poor villager Liao Zhenxiang in Hedong Village of Longnan City, in northwest China's Gansu Province, on Jan. 16, 2009. Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau, made an inspection tour in Gansu Province from Jan. 15 through 17. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Photo Gallery>>>

    He also talked to returned migrant workers about effective ways to find new work. He encouraged them to seek opportunities in inland areas, and in the service industry, or create their own businesses at home.

    Li Keqiang also called for more efforts to bolster construction of rural medical system at the grassroots level, and said the social welfare system should be completed.

    The vice premier also toured local markets and companies, asking suppliers to ensure they can meet demand during the Spring festival. He also urged deeper reform and structure adjustment in local industries to help them succeed.

    (Source: CCTV. com)