Premier Wen Jiabao has stressed during his inspection tour of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Sept. 3 to 5 that promoting leapfrog development in the area is key to its long-term stability.

"The development and stability of Xinjiang is closely related to the country's overall situation concerning reform, development and security. We must step up efforts to build a more prosperous, harmonious and stable Xinjiang," Wen said, urging full use of local resources and improvements in people's livelihoods.

The premier called for the region to accelerate the construction of major bases for gas, oil, coal and wind energy, and foster pillar industries in these fields to lead development in other sectors.

According to Wen, both infrastructure construction and various industrial and commercial projects should focus on improving local people's livelihoods by increasing employment and income.

Meanwhile, he called for the region to explore local resources in a sustainable way, with strengthened protection for forests, glaciers, rivers, marsh and oases.

"Even those projects aiming to protect the ecological environment should take precautions not to damage water resources in any way," Wen said, warning of unscientific sand control efforts.

During his trip, the premier visited communities, vendors, schools, hospitals and companies.

He underlined a series of livelihood-improving fields that should be high on the agenda of local government, citing education, medical services, social insurance and poverty relief.

Noting that Xinjiang's neighboring countries are among the fastest-developing energy markets and potential major consumers, Wen urged the region to sensibly develop its processing trade, expand exports of products with local flavors and step up building commercial and trade centers.

Highlighting ethnic unity and social stability, Wen called on the Xinjiang government to strengthen a sense of interdependence of all ethnic groups among local residents, with respect for the habits and traditions of minority groups and protection of ethnic people's cultures and rights.

During his visit, Wen also met with officials who have been sent to Xinjiang from Shanghai, Shandong, Guangdong and Shenzhen to back the region's development.

Wen noted that the campaign to support Xinjiang will be more onerous under the new situations, urging related provinces and groups to map out advanced projects and products that are oriented toward people's livelihoods.