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Boosting economy urged against quake loss

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-23 15:13

Top legislator Wu Bangguo on Thursday called on the Chinese people to make more contributions to social and economic development to minimize the losses of the May 12 quake.

It is the 30 years of development that the nation relies on to weather the disaster, said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, adding that it is also the key to conquer the disaster.

Wu made the remarks after being debriefed by Vice Premier Li Keqiang on relief work since the devastating May 12 quake that is known to have claimed more than 50,000 lives.

Wu, however, acknowledged that the magnitude 8.0 earthquake, and the severe winter that hit southern China earlier this year, have caused "unexpected" consequences for the economy.

"It has become a more formidable task to accomplish the goals of social and economic development this year," he said.

Wu also said on Thursday that "quite a portion" of the stability fund of the central budget would be allocated to post-quake reconstruction, but he did not give the exact amount.