Promoting energy and resources savings is a priority and should be viewed as one of the basic guiding principles for governments, present and future, President Hu Jintao said.

Hu was speaking at a collective study meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in Beijing on Monday.
   
"We should follow the path that is tech-intensive, cost-effective, low pollution and where people can exercise their capabilities," Hu added.
   
Hu said that first, China should adjust its economic structure and shift its economic growth through the introduction of advanced technologies and promote the development of high- and-new tech industries. Further, China's growth mode must shift from high investment, high consumption, high pollution and low efficiency.
   
Second, China should accelerate the process of building a technology support system for energy and other resources, and enhance the study of important technologies that have a positive impact on the developmental direction of the two industries.
   
Third, Hu said, the current consumption structure should be optimized through promoting cost and resource-saving technologies and methods.
   
He also urged the country to promote a recycling economy.
   
According to Hu, governmental and policy guidance should also be enhanced. Relevant laws and regulations therefore need to be put in place.
   
"We should also promote public awareness, especially among the young, so that the saving of energy and resources becomes a voluntary action by all citizens," Hu added.

(Xinhua News Agency June 29, 2005)