BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong Sunday stressed the importance of nurturing more first-class financial personnel for the nation.

    Liu made the remarks when visiting the Beijing-based Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE) to convey congratulations on its 60th founding anniversary.

    CUFE is the first university specialized in financial and economic studies established by the People's Republic of China. It is one of the 100 universities to which the Chinese government attaches top priority in the 21st Century.

    Noting that finance is an important state function, and the core of modern economy, Liu expected the university to play a better role in cultivating innovation-oriented financial talents.

    She also called on the university to contribute more to the national and local development programs.