Vice-Premier Wang Yang called for efforts to promote the ecologically sustainable development of State-owned forest farms, and to streamline the administration of State-owned forest resources

He made the comments during a video conference call on reforms concerning State-owned forest farms, in Beijing on March 17.

Wang said efforts should be increased to establish a reliable regulatory system for forest resources, adopt innovative ways to manage and protect such resources, and to provide more supportive policies.

Vice-Premier Wang Yang attends a video and telephone conference on State-owned forest farm reforms in Beijing, March 17.[Photo/Xinhua]

He called for a shift from timber production to ecological remediation and construction, thus changing the focus from economic benefit to providing ecological services in terms of forest development.

The vice-premier stressed that the priority of State-owned forest farm reforms should always be ecology and environmental protection.

While the commercial logging of natural forests in State-owned forest zones should be halted in an orderly manner, a streamlined and efficient administrative system should be established to manage the State-owned forest resources, Wang said.

He also called for efforts to increase employment opportunities and incomes for State-owned forest farm employees by developing special and alternative industries.

Wang said better infrastructure and public services must be provided to benefit the people.

The conference participants also discussed work arrangements concerning land greening this year, and the vice-premier said efforts should be focused on forestation in key areas and innovation of working mechanisms for greening.