The global financial crisis is an austere test of the nation and the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), and every Party member and official should work for economic growth, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Thursday.

Wen, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, said at a Party conference of the central and state agencies, "The world is experiencing the sort of financial crisis that has rarely been seen before, which has seriously affected our economy."

He called for confidence to achieve stable and relatively fast economic and social development.

He urged all Party members and officials to have a strong sense of responsibility and mission.

"Party members and officials must be a model of clean governance," he said. The people's trust needed to be won by sharing their trials.

In addition, Wen urged Party members and officials to avoid using public authority for personal interests and privilege.

"Be politically staunch, good in work style, and strictly disciplined. Work hard for the people, fulfill your duties, and be honest and clean," the premier said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2009)