Chinese President Hu Jintao (C) talks with a local farmer in Ordos inside north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 17, 2007. Hu, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made a visit to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from Nov. 17 to 19, 2007.

 

Chinese President Hu Jintao said the government would continue to raise pensions for the country's retired workers and further improve their lives.

 

"We have to improve the welfare of the public and let them enjoy the fruits of reforms," Hu said.

 

Hu made these comments during a visit to north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.?

 

In the meantime, the president visited Jia Jun's family in Hohhot, regional capital of Inner Mongolia. Jia and his wife are both laid-off workers. Their lives have much difficulty.

 

Jia's family can hardly afford the school charges for their two children. When Hu learned about the situation he said that the government has promised it will let no children drop out of school due to economic difficulties.

 

Regarding their medicare, Hu told Jia that the government would quicken the establishment of cooperative medical insurance system so that their medical fees would be covered under the system.

 

The president also urged local officials at the scene to step up reforms and promote social and economic progress in order to help residents lead a better life.

 

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd, L) visits a local residence in Hohhot, capital of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 19, 2007.

 

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd, L) visits a residence of Mongolia ethnic group in Ordos of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 17, 2007.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2007)