Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang urged quake-damaged enterprises to resume production as soon as possible during a visit to the May 12 quake zone.

Enterprises should continue relief efforts while trying to resume production in a bid to secure the steady and stable development of the national economy, Zhang said during a four-day visit to Sichuan Province.

"As the backbone of the national economy, the state-owned enterprises should take a leading role in the relief and reconstruction work," he said after visiting some worst-hit enterprises.

They include Dongfang Electric Co. in Chengdu, China National Erzhong Group Co. in Deyang, Hongda Petrochemical Company and Ying Feng Industry Company in Shifang, which all suffered devastating losses in the 8.0-magnitude quake that jolted southwest Sichuan Province.

Zhang urged them to resume production soon, and to ensure production goals for the year would be fulfilled.

He also admitted that reconstruction at these enterprises was arduous, as damage was severe.

The recovery of enterprises should rely both on themselves and on government support and social assistance, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 4, 2008)