Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan on Friday called for accelerated progress in the rejuvenation of the equipment manufacturing sector to speed up China's modernization process.

"The equipment manufacturing industry is key to the country's modernization and the northeastern industrial base's revitalization," said Zeng.

The vice premier attended the Shenyang Equipment Manufacturing Industry Exhibition and visited such equipment manufacturing enterprises as Shenyang Machine Tool Group, Shenyang Blower Works Group and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation in Liaoning Province.

He said local governments should continue to offer preferential policies to create a sound environment for the industry's development and encourage enterprises to develop in an economical way.

Zeng called for increased efforts in technological innovation and management reform for building first-class international enterprises.

The vice premier also visited the slum area of Fushun City and talked to dwellers there. He told the provincial and city governments to step up the building of affordable houses and ensure accommodation for the low-income group.