Chinese Vice Premier urges improving people's livelihood

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L2) talks with 83-year-old Meng Pin and his family in Yingfanggou Village of Datong, north China's Shanxi Province, Dec. 27, 2009. Li Keqiang made an inspection tour in Shanxi from Dec. 27 to 28. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) inspects the "shanty towns" to be pulled down at Guloudongjie Street in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province, Dec. 27, 2009. Li Keqiang made an inspection tour in Shanxi from Dec. 27 to 28. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has stressed that more efforts should be made to improve the people's livelihood while promoting economic growth.

Li made the remarks during a recent visit to north China's Shanxi Province, where he chatted with village cadres and laid-off workers. He said it is an important duty for the Party and government to solve the basic livelihood problems of the people.

The goal of the nation's economic growth is to improve the people's well-being, he said.

Li also said the government should help meet the basic needs of disadvantaged people and further promote employment, compulsory education, basic medical care, public health and affordable housing projects to ensure the people's well-being.

The efforts would not only let more people share the fruits of development, but promote the country's domestic demand and economic restructuring, according to Li.