Chinese government officials and economists conferred in Beijing Tuesday to discuss the issue of the coordinated development between China's urban and rural areas.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Chinese Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu attended the seminar.

Hui highlighted the importance of efforts in developing the country's urban and rural areas comprehensively. He urged more efforts to increase farmer's income, promote rural reform and ensure grain safety.

Although the present situation in agriculture sector is encouraging, Hui said the task remained an arduous one to ensure the coordinated development in the long run.

Wang Zhongyu and Abdul'ahat Abdulrixit, vice-chairmen of the CPPCC National Committee, also attended the seminar.

(Xinhua News Agency November 10, 2004)