Xi stresses coordinated development of southwestern Chongqing

Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed coordinated urban-rural development in southwestern Chongqing Municipality during his first inspection trip of 2016 from Monday to Wednesday.

Xi said Chongqing has faced an arduous task in pursuing coordinated development, as the city covers a large area crisscrossed by rivers and mountains, urban areas and rural areas, which are unbalanced in development.

He called for simultaneous development of the new type of industrialization, informatization, urbanization and agricultural modernization in Chongqing to integrate urban-rural development.

Xi also urged Chongqing to better protect the Three Gorges Reservoir and the Yangtze River that runs through the city, which has been crucial to the long-term and overall development of Chongqing as well as the whole nation.

The city should better protect the ecological environment of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and promote the appreciation of its natural capital in both urban and rural areas, Xi said.

During his tour, he stressed improving people's livelihood must receive great attention during development, ensuring all people share the fruits of the country's reform and development.

Xi also urged "precision" in poverty relief, with alleviation measures based on different local situations and groups as well as different causes of poverty.

He called on governments not only to hold accountable those responsible for public safety accidents, but also to draw out the common problems hiding behind the accidents.

"Government efforts to maintain public safety and stability are linked to the happiness of thousands of Chinese households... If accidents happen or risks are detected in one place, the whole nation should draw lessons from it," said Xi. Endit