SHIJIAZHUANG, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has stressed consolidating and increasing the momentum of economic recovery to achieve annual economic and social development goals, so as to ensure a sound conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and lay a solid foundation for the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during research trips to Shandong and Hebei provinces from Nov. 20 to 22.

In Jinan, the capital of east China's Shandong Province, Ding paid visits to several companies to learn about the development of industries such as advanced and intelligent manufacturing, new-generation information technology, bio-technology and bio-manufacturing.

He said that optimizing and upgrading traditional industries, as well as fostering and expanding emerging and future industries all require in-depth integration of sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation.

Ding encouraged enterprises to take a major role in strengthening innovation synergy between industry, academia and research institutes, with a view to promoting the application of sci-tech advances and enhancing the resilience of industrial and supply chains. He said it is also important to actively respond to the concerns of enterprises and solve their problems.

While visiting an airport expansion project in Jinan, Ding pointed out that it is necessary to make good use of all kinds of government investment in a coordinated manner and promote its role in boosting effective investment.

In Shijiazhuang, the capital of north China's Hebei Province, Ding paid a visit to a local thermal power company. As China's northern regions have entered the heating season, Ding said it is important to stabilize energy production and supply, adding that efforts should also be made to push green transition while ensuring energy supply security.

While in Hebei, Ding also inspected the ecological restoration of Hutuo River. He urged local authorities to summarize and promote their good experiences and practices that are conducive to safeguarding the environment. Enditem