Shijiazhuang--- On June 21, Premier Li Keqiang visited Gaobeidian and Zhuozhou, accompanied by Hebei Party Secretary Ni Yuefeng and Governor Wang Zhengpu. Premier Li underscored the need to work under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, implement the decisions of the CPC Central Committee and the new development philosophy, coordinate pandemic response and socioeconomic development, deliver policies for economic stability, meet challenges and stimulate vitality through reform, make timely efforts for summer harvesting and sowing, safeguard energy supply to meet summer demand, and provide strong support for price stability, people’s livelihood and economic stability.
In the wheat field of Fangguan Town, Li Keqiang talked with grain farmers, harvester operators from other provinces, and grain merchants. Everyone said that this year’s wheat harvest was good and the grain was full, and Li Keqiang was very happy, saying that there is a “bumper harvest in the field”, we should ensure “bumper harvest in hand” and do a good job in harvesting and storing “bumper harvest”. Wheat is one of the main grains for the Chinese people, and here is the last stop for harvesting in the main wheat producing areas of Yellow River, Huai River and Hai River area. On the whole, the yield of wheat this year is higher than that of last year, and a bumper harvest is for sure. This has given people reassurance and laid the foundation for stable grain production throughout the year. China’s grain supply is abundant and is crucial to price stability. To keep the economy running within a reasonable range, two important indicators are stable employment and stable prices, and grain and energy are the basic safeguards for price stability. In recent years, we have been implementing a prudent monetary policy, and there is no over-issuance of money. At present, the main indicators of monetary policy are in the normal range, and it is very important to prevent inflation and leave room for the flexible implementation of monetary policy to meet new challenges. This year’s bumper wheat harvest has ensured China’s own demand and the stability of China’s grain market. In a sense, it has also contributed to the stability of the global grain market. When seeing farmers sowing corn by machine, Li Keqiang took a closer look at the soil moisture and said that one day late in summer means ten days late in autumn harvest. Sowing must be done as much as possible to ensure a bumper harvest in autumn and China’s food security.
Li Keqiang came to Dapu village, looked at the dried wheat, and chatted with the villagers about the cost of growing grain and income. Everyone reported that the prices of agricultural materials have risen this year, but the government has increased subsidies and market grain prices have also increased, resulting in a higher income than in previous years. It is said that food is the most important thing for the people, and when food is stable, the world is safe. Farmers grow grain to increase income, but also to ensure that more people have three meals a day. We will work together to secure the jobs of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people.
Li Keqiang listened to the energy report of Hebei Province. At the Zhuozhou Jingyuan Thermal Power Company, he learned about the generating hours of the unit, the level of coal consumption, and the implementation of the relief policy, inspected the coal yard, and encouraged enterprises to produce more power. He said that development is the basis and key to solving all problems in our country. Now is the critical period for meeting the demand in summer. It is necessary to release the advanced coal production capacity to the full, ensure long-term coal supply, further strengthen the guarantee of power supply, resolutely prevent power rationing, and ensure economic operation and people’s basic livelihood. It is necessary to increase the production capacity of efficient and clean coal power in an orderly manner through expansion and transformation, and speed up the construction of pumped storage projects, so as to not only increase the power supply capacity, but also provide support for the development of wind and solar power and other new energy sources and the improvement of consumption capacity. He stressed that China is a contributor and beneficiary of world trade, and the stability of the international energy market is beneficial to all countries. Making good use of China's coal-based energy resources endowment is not only conducive to enhancing its own energy security capacity, but also to stabilizing world energy prices and international industrial and supply chains.
Li Keqiang spoke highly of Hebei’s achievements in economic and social development, and expressed the hope that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, we will work hard in an innovative way, lift economic development to a new level, and continue to improve people's livelihood and well-being.
Xiao Jie and He Lifeng accompanied the inspection.
