The development of western China should also be a process of opening-up and a change of concepts, said Outlook Weekly. Excerpts follow:

China's western regions boast beautiful natural landscapes, unique ethnic customs and favourable agricultural conditions. Nevertheless, due to a lack of qualified personnel, funds and proper strategies, the areas cannot bring their potential into full play.

Reviving the western regions has become atop of China's reform agenda as it strides forward to the third stage of its modernization programme.

Among the various causes that result in the regions being underdeveloped, one crux, the slow adaptation to the market economy, cannot be resolved unless the areas open their minds and participate more actively in domestic and international market competition.

Qualified personnel should be welcomed and offered preferential treatments to put their talents into full play.

Both government authorities and society at large should encourage capable people to establish their careers in the western regions.

Funds should be channeled in through various forms and be earmarked for infrastructure construction so that more funds can be attracted.

Decision-makers for the western regions should solicit and take expert opinions seriously to help map out proper strategies for local development.

Respecting farmers' will

During the restructuring of agriculture and the rural economy, the will of farmers deserve ample respect, said an article in the People's Daily. Excerpts follow:

In some areas, strict orders and targets for the structural adjustment are being set hastily without considering reality and farmers' wills, which severely dampen farmers' enthusiasm in farm production.

In fact, the restructuring of agriculture and the rural economy require an optimized combination of local advantages in resources and market demands.

The local areas' natural resources, farmers' skills and planting habits should be taken into consideration. Besides, the farmers are the real players in the market. They assume great risks as their income directly hinges on the result of the adjustment.

Thus, they should be given full autonomy in deciding what to produce. On the other hand, governments should do their part in guiding the farmers' actions and provide services.

As the market is hard to foretell, great efforts should be made to carry out the research and analysis in the market potential of farm produce.

An authentic information network should be established to deliver timely information on price, storage and weather to farmers.

Moreover, the government should offer pre-harvest and after-harvest technical support and necessary materials to the farmers.

Only in this way can the farmers' enthusiasm be protected and the restructuring goal achieved.