China honored 2,968 model workers of the country in a ceremony held on April 28, Tuesday, in Beijing, ahead of the Worker’s Day on May 1, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
According to the report, senior leaders including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, as well as Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli, attended the event.
Xi commended the recipients of the award and called on the entire country to respect all workers and their contribution to society. He also highlighted the major role of workers as "fundamental forces" and "history makers" who are instrumental in the political and economic development of China.
According to Xi, workers must be motivated to encourage creativity and enthusiasm by further ensuring their interests and the country's development, which will benefit more common workers.
The president said that a high-quality labor force, equipped with greater knowledge and advanced skills, will serve as a pillar in the country's long-term goal for sustainable development.
Xi also stressed that labor unions must be strengthened to enable common workers to connect with the Communist Party of China, as he urged labor unions to fulfill their duties to protect workers' interests, continue their close relations with common workers and establish links with foreign counterparts.
Premier Li, on the other hand, expressed hope that the nation would be inspired by the achievements of the model workers and strive for more success and work to improve their livelihoods.
Li called on the people to stimulate market activity and social innovation, which also include respecting the workers and encouraging entrepreneurship to drive China's medium-high economic development momentum.