President Hu visits Hainan to attend int´l economic forum

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-10-2008 08:23

President Hu Jintao has concluded a 3-day inspection tour of Hainan Province in the south of China. The trip comes ahead of his attendance at this year's Boao Asian Forum.

2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Hainan Province. Hu Jintao's first stop was to survey the achievements the area has made over the past two decades.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd R Front) talks with a farmer  in a paddy field at Binglang Village of Fenghuang Town in Sanya,  a city in south China's Hainan Province, April 9, 2008. President  Hu made an inspection tour in Hainan Province on April 7-9.  (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Hu Jintao says the current prosperity of Hainan proves the central government's decision 20 years ago was right.

He then went to Yangpu Economic Development Zone in the northwest of the island. This was his first visit to the zone in 12 years.

Hu Jintao took tours of a major oil refinery and one of the country's biggest oil ports.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd L) learns cowpea's growth  and sale from farmer Huang Zhengguang (1st R) of the Li ethnic  group at Shandao Village of Jianfeng Town in Ledong Li Autonomous  County, south China's Hainan Province, April 8, 2008. President  Hu made an inspection tour in Hainan Province on April 7-9.  (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

At Yangpu Port, Hu Jintao encouraged local people to seize the opportunity provided by the tax-free port to achieve a better future.

Hainan is a major supplier of vegetables in China. Its tropical weather makes it suitable for growing various kinds of vegetable throughout the year.

Hu Jintao inspected a local farm and asked the farmers about their difficulties.

Hu Jintao said, "Now I know you have two big difficulties ahead. One is the high price of fertilizer and the other is the short supply of diesel. I think these are caused by the rising price of oil. The central government has decided to offer subsidies to relieve the pressure on farmers."

In a village near the famous holiday destination Sanya, Hu Jintao toured a local network that provides planting and marketing information to farmers. He also inspected a village clinic. Hu Jintao said he was happy that nearly all the local farmers are now covered by the new rural cooperative medical service. He asked officials to continue working to meet people's medical needs.

Hu Jintao then talked to a farmer about his everyday life.

Hu Jintao said, "The central government has lifted agricultural tax and fees on compulsory education. The government has also expanded its investment on the improvement of rural infrastructure. All these efforts will create better living conditions for farmers and let them lead a better life."

In a waste water processing plant in the provincial capital Haikou, Hu Jintao asked local authorities to build a eco-friendly economy. He said economic development should be coupled with environmental protection.

Editor:Zhang Ning