Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang on Monday called for adherence to scientific assessment and planning in the process of reconstruction after the May 12 earthquake.

Reconstruction efforts should make the most of the industrial structure in the quake zone, he said, adding high energy-intensive, highly polluting, and out-of-date projects should be eliminated.

Low quality reconstruction should be avoided and reconstruction should include upgrading technological infrastructure, he told a meeting on industry restoration and employment expansion in the quake zone.

Emphasis should be given to pillar industries and building material industries in the region, he noted.

Zhang acknowledged industry restoration and employment in the devastated area faced severe challenges.

More efforts should be made to create jobs, he said, adding job creation in the quake zone was important to the livelihoods of survivors and maintaining the stability and development of the region.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2008)