FUZHOU, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese leader Li Changchun stressed the importance of enhancing the nation's innovation capacity as being essential to economic restructuring and to the national development strategy, during his inspection tour in southeastern Fujian Province.

During his 4-day visit which ended Sunday, Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that as China encourages and supports Fujian in building the economic zone on the western side of the Taiwan Strait, the province should take the opportunity and embark on a sound growth track.

When inspecting the construction of Pingtai Island, the fifth largest island in China, Li stressed the island's flagship role in the development of the economic zone on the western side of the Taiwan Strait.

When visiting local companies engaged in indigenous innovation, Li urged Fujian to grow competitive enterprises with self-developed technologies and brand-name products.

During his visit to Longshan village in the city of Putian, Li said priority should be given to villages and grass-root communities in development of cultural programs, so that urban and rural residents could have equal access to public cultural services.

Source:Xinhua