TANGSHAN, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has urged efforts to promote the development of new industries, speed up industrial upgrading while maintaining economic development during his visit to the northern Hebei Province Monday.

    The government's policies to enhance domestic demand and ensure economic growth have caused positive changes, but there are still difficulties because of the decreasing external demand, Li said.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R Front) inspects Tangshan Railway Vehicle Co. Ltd, in north China's Hebei Province, June 1, 2009. Li Keqiang made an inspection tour in Hebei Province on June 1. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) Photo Gallery>>>

    Enterprises should focus on promoting industrial upgrading, adjusting product structure and cultivating new area of growth in face of the global financial crisis, Li said.

    When visiting the Caofeidian industrial zone, an island-turned development zone in the Bohai Bay in north China, Li said efforts should be made to promote recycling and use environmentally-safe methods of waste treatment.

    Li stressed the importance of the development of hi-tech energy-saving strategies and environmental protection.

    More efforts should also go to the construction of affordable housing and improvement of shanties in cities, which could both improve people's living standards and help boost investment and consumption, he said.