Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan said on Tuesday that rural financial institutions should step up innovation and diversify sources of rural credit for farmers.

In a visit to the northwestern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Wang visited local banks to discuss their asset quality and risk controls.

Wang said that uncertainties remained on the road to world economic recovery. Local authorities should follow the central government's strategy of maintaining economic growth, boosting domestic spending and restructuring the economy.

He said local lenders should give market forces full play in allocating financing and keep the rural financial system in order.

He urged local officials to keep alert to financial risks and step up oversight as they promoted innovation.

(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2009)