The leader of China's top advisory body said in Beijing on Sunday that ethnic and religious work is imperative to secure harmonious social development.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks when he visited the Niujie community, a compact area inhabited by the Hui ethnic group, the Islamic Association of China and two religious institutions for the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year.

Jia was warmly greeted by Niujie residents as he made his 12th consecutive annual visit.

During a workshop with religious people, Jia said that government and Party departments at all levels should show special concern to ethnic minorities and religious groups, and try their best to solve difficulties of needy people, to ensure a happy Spring Festival.

"We should hold up high the spirit of patriotism and national unity to solidify and develop an ethnic relationship of equality, unity and mutual help, and to further enhance economic and social development and uplift the standard of living in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities," he said.

The State Council introduced the country's first statute on religious affairs on November 30 last year. The statute is scheduled to take effect on March 1.

The working facilities of religious groups and institutions in the country have been much improved, Jia said.

After hearing reports on infrastructure construction of two Islamic and Buddhist institutions, Jia said the central?government has decided to allocate special funds to upgrade the working facilities of religious groups and institutions nationwide.

Representatives from religious groups said they would try to bring up high-quality religious people and make more contributions to the realization of a harmonious society in China.

Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Liu Qi, Vice Chairwoman of the CPPCC National Committee Liu Yandong and other senior officials were also present.

(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2005)