During the meeting, the vice-premier spoke highly of the advances made by tax collectors in 2001 as well as the progress achieved in building infrastructure, improving systems and adding to the professional proficiency of the staff.

According to Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, China's tax income may exceed 1.5 trillion yuan this year, an increase of 200bn yuan over last year. It is the first time that the country has earned more than one trillion yuan in tax revenue, he said.

In 2002, the country is expected to face an even more stern international political and economic situation and will have to put even greater demands on tax collection, the vice-premier said.

He urged leading officials at all levels to be aware that revenue from taxation enables the government to carry out all kinds of tasks as well as being a major financial force in promoting economic development.

Li called for greater efforts in cracking down on fraudulent activities involving export tax rebates, curbing tax evasion by dealers in outdoor markets and operators of local gas stations, and in training tax collectors.