Premier Wen Jiabao encouraged local workers and farmers to work harder to boost industrial and agricultural development of the landlocked Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China.

During a recent inspection tour to this largest Muslim region of the country, the premier visited major industrial projects and enterprises, commodity grain, vegetable production and other farming bases.

Wen told workers during his visit to a methanol and alkene production project Friday to work hard to build up an industrial base that meets the standards of scientific development.

He urged workers to promote renovation and strengthen management to achieve the goal of top quality and technological standard based on resources conservation.

During his visit to a grain production base in northern Ningxia, Wen praised a cooperation mechanism among local farmers that helped them to increase grain output and their income.

In Xihaigu, one of the most poverty-stricken regions in China, Wen urged local people to continue the forestation campaign and improve the ecological environment for sustainable development.

On Sunday, Wen visited Wanya Village, home to 70 Muslim households. He promised that the government will work along with the villagers to fight chronic drought and increase drinking water supply.

He also congratulated villagers on the village's first student to be enrolled by a university in northeast Jilin Province, expressing the hope that more youths will get the opportunity of higher education.

The premier also visited an age-old mosque in the regional capital Yinchuan on Sunday, and talked with representatives from religious circles and local people.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2008)