URUMQI, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese leader Zhou Yongkang has called for continuous efforts to promote the development and maintain stability in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Zhou, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during his four-day inspection tour, that ended on Wednesday, to the region.

Zhou visited some local primary and secondary schools in Xinjiang and said he hoped the students would study well and grow up happily, encouraging them to make contributions to the construction of the region and the country in the future.

He also praised the schools' efforts to promote the students' Mandarin-Uygur bilingual literacy and all-round development.

Moreover, during his inspection to local enterprises and industrial bases, Zhou stressed the need to carry forward the program of supporting Xinjiang with key industrial projects to further boost the region's economy and improve local people's employment and income.

He also encouraged efforts to promote Xinjiang as a hub of trade and cooperation between the country and its central Asian neighbors.

Furthermore, Zhou called for measures to improve Xinjiang's capability to handle emergency situations as well as to maintain the security, harmony and stability of the border region.

During a forum with representatives of local government and enterprises officials, Zhou called on them to firmly follow the path of scientific development, improve people's livelihoods, promote the ethnic unity and build Xinjiang into a prosperous and harmonious region.

Zhou also visited local residents, retirees and veterans in Xinjiang.