Premier Wen Jiabao chaired an executive meeting of the State Council (Cabinet) on Wednesday, which discussed post-earthquake reconstruction, reform of state farms in Hainan Province and energy-saving in central governmental departments.

The meeting decided to assist quake-hit regions in reconstruction with measures and policies mainly dealing with fiscal budget, finance, tax, land, employment and agriculture.

Six measures will be taken to support reconstruction efforts, such as setting up a reconstruction fund from the central treasure, reducing tax on individuals and enterprises in quake-hit regions, and creating jobs for quake-affected unemployed.

On energy savings, the meeting said it would be an arduous task to save energy and reduce emission while meeting the 11th Five-Year Plan targets.

Central governmental departments should set an example in saving fuel and electricity as much as possible and contribute to building an energy-saving society, according to the meeting. Governments at all levels should cut oil consumption of public vehicles by 20 percent.

The meeting also approved in principle the Opinions Concerning the Reform of Management System of Hainan's Reclamation Farms.

The meeting decided to deepen the reform in line with the principles of separating the functions of government from those of enterprise and setting up the modern corporate system, and integrate those farms with local market economy.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2008)