Northeast development a priority

Premier Li Keqiang called for greater strides in reform and opening-up to stimulate market vitality and to transform and upgrade economic structure in revitalizing the rust belt in Northeast China.

Li's remarks came as he presided over a State Council meeting on Thursday on revitalizing the country's traditional industrial bases.

He underscored the importance of transforming government functions and bettering the business environment, and urged government departments to offer more support to provinces in the Northeast in streamlining administration.