BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Premier Zhu Rongji Tuesday
highlighted the importance to implement the strategy of
sustainable development in the Report on the Work of the
Government he delivered at the opening of the annual session of
the National People's Congress.
  Zhu stressed that it is a must to adhere to the basic state
policy on family planning and implement the Population and Family
Planning Law. The government will pay particular attention to
improving family planning work in rural areas and among the
floating population, keep the birth rate low, and provide good
prenatal and postnatal care.
  The government will conscientiously implement the programs for
the development of work concerning women and children and protect
the legitimate rights and interests of women and minors, while
taking  better care of the aged.
  Programs to help the physically and mentally challenged deserve
the concern and support by the government, he stressed.
  The premier said efforts will be made to protect and rationally
use land, mineral resources, fresh water, marine resources,
forests, pastures and climatic resources in accordance with the
law; implement a system of rigorous management of arable and
forest land; and focus on saving water and energy.
  China will utilize natural resources more effectively and
improve the system of compensation for their use, and continue to
put more money in environmental protection, he said.    
  Efforts to protect the ecological environment and to prevent
and control pollution will be intensified, said the premier. The
construction of key environmental protection and pollution control
projects will be accelerated.
  Zhu said that the quality of the environment in major river
valleys, regions, cities and sea areas will be improved by
effectively controlling and reducing the discharge of pollutants
there.
  China will introduce clean production methods, develop the
environmental protection industry, expand ecological demonstration
zones, plant more trees and grass, and strengthen the protection
of wet land.
  A system will be established for protecting the environment and
preventing and reducing natural disasters, the premier said.
  The government will expand health services and pay special
attention to public health and to medical services in rural areas,
while exploring various forms of health security in rural areas
and improving the medical conditions of rural hospitals.
  Vigorous efforts will be made to prevent and treat major
diseases, including contagious and endemic diseases, develop a
nationwide fitness program and raise the competitiveness of
athletes, he said.
  Good preparations will be made for the Olympic Games in Beijing
in 2008 to promote reform, opening up and the modernization drive
in the capital, the premier said.