Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has called on enterprises and officials to step up industrial upgrading through technology innovation and reform, and keep confidence in achieving economic growth at a time of global financial crisis.

Reform and innovation were a great drive to a region's continuous development, Li said during his visit to China's central Hunan Province from Sunday to Tuesday.

He said China has a vast territory and also great market potential. There's also potential in the international market.

He said China's central region enjoys sound industrial foundations and advantages in scientific research. He urged the region to carry out industrial upgrading while developing new industries such as the high technology sector, and stimulate domestic demand and promote reform and opening up.

He urged governments at all levels to improve the environment for investment and self-employment.

The application of high technology in industrial production was an important way to adjust and upgrade industrial structure, said Li.

Li said companies and scientific research institutes should strengthen research and development in line with market demand, to bring about more new and advanced products to help industrial upgrading.

(Xinhua News Agency April 1, 2009)