At the State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang on June 29, they decided to help economic growth in revolutionary bases across the provinces of Sichuan and Shaanxi.

“On one side, the region has made great contributions to China’s revolution and development. On the other side, most of the region is in extreme difficulty. It will be important to promote the development of the western regions, narrow regional gaps, drive and expand domestic demand and adjust structure if we accelerate development in the area,” Premier Li said at the meeting.

According to the Premier, areas with strong driving forces and radiation power have been developed. The next step is to strengthen support for the poorer areas.

Premier Li said that compared with eastern areas, infrastructure construction in the west receives lower yield. However, that is what the government must address.

“To maintain the population in the region and avoid large numbers of migrant workers to move to other regions, we have to narrow the regional gap between the east and the west,” the Premier said.

Provincial and municipal leaders from Sichuan, Shaanxi and Chongqing also attended the meeting. Premier Li stressed to them that development is of first priority, and they should also expand reform and be more open.

“Reform and opening-up led to the development of east China and great achievements in the past 30 years,” said the Premier. “Though the west area develops later in time, it is full of new challenges in the future.”

“Though the revolutionary bases divide into two provinces and a city, there are close relations among them. Hope you can explore and deepen reform, break the administrative division and develop a united market to create an equal environment. The premise is to follow the practical situation and do not break laws or regulations,” the Premier said.

“I give the task to you,” Premier Li told the provincial and municipal leaders, “and hope you can build a united big market and platform. You can also share your experiences with the whole country after you succeed.”