Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his love for Fujian, a place he worked for 17 and a half years, calling it his second hometown, during an inspection to the province on Nov 1 and 2.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L, front) visits a local factory affiliated to TPK, a touch solution provider from East China's Taiwan, in Pingtan, East China's Fujian Province, Nov. 1, 2014. Xi made an inspection tour to East China's Fujian Province on Nov. 1 and 2. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

The romance between Fujian and Xi, a native of Fuping, Shaanxi province, dated back to 1985 when he was appointed the deputy mayor of Xiamen city.

He also assumed senior Party and government posts in Ningde, Fuzhou and the Fujian Provincial Government from 1988 to 2002.

Xi said having worked for 17 and a half years in Fujian, he harbors deep feelings for everything here, and has made strong connections with both the cadres and residents, according to an article published on Fuzhou Daily on Nov 3.

“Fujian is my second hometown,” he said.

He made the remark after hearing working reports by the Fujian Party Committee and the Fujian Provincial government on Nov 2.

Xi praised Fujian’s achievements in economic and social development, and pledged that the central authorities would further endorse its development.

Fujian should promote industrial upgrading and optimization, which means it will enhance its competitive industries, cultivate strategic emerging industries and transform traditional industries, said the President.

While pushing for higher economic goals, Fujian must also pay attention to ecological protection, he added.

With its agricultural diversity, Fujian can focus on modern characteristic agriculture and strive to increase the capacity of grain production in order to make the farmers better off, he said.

Local officials must pay attention to poverty-stricken old revolutionary areas and rural areas in the province, and take good care of affairs concerning the livelihood of local people, such as education, employment, medical services and social insurance, noted the President.

He also ordered the Party to improve its working style and efficiency.