China Premier Li Qiang hones in on advanced manufacturing, calls for action at ‘important juncture’
- New Premier Li Qiang visited China’s southern Hunan province on Tuesday and Wednesday, visiting companies including electric car maker BYD
- China’s No 2 official promised to create a business-friendly environment and pinned his hopes on entrepreneurs after also meeting Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun
Li Qiang used his first trip as premier this week to prioritise the development of China’s advanced manufacturing sector to guard against risks amid efforts by the United States to curb Beijing’s technology ambitions.
During his two-day inspection tour of China’s central Hunan province, Li hosted a seminar on the development of advanced manufacturing and listened to the heads of eight national enterprises, which included Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun, state broadcaster CCTV said according to Bloomberg.
Li, who replaced Li Keqiang as China’s No 2 official earlier this month, underscored the role of the manufacturing sector as an integral part of China’s real economy amid complex and profound changes in the domestic and international environment, according to an official statement.
He visited companies including electric car maker BYD and Apple supplier Lens Technology.
As the situation at home and abroad undergoes complex and profound changes, the development of China’s manufacturing industry is facing an important juncture and the efforts to strengthen the industry must be increased
“As the situation at home and abroad undergoes complex and profound changes, the development of China’s manufacturing industry is facing an important juncture and the efforts to strengthen the industry must be increased,” Li said, according to the statement.
Li also urged the executives to “promote high-level technological independence and self-reliance, and push forward the transformation and upgrading of traditional manufacturing industries”.