China's vice-premier urges high-quality development of manufacturing sector, workplace safety

TAIYUAN -- Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing has called for efforts to promote the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry and continuously strengthen workplace safety.

Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in North China's Shanxi province which began on Sunday and ended on Tuesday.

The high-quality development of the manufacturing sector is a top priority in achieving high-quality economic growth, Zhang said, noting that efforts should be made to advance technological innovation and accelerate the establishment of a modern industrial system with the advanced manufacturing industry as its backbone.

Zhang also called for the promotion of the high-end, digital, green transformation of the manufacturing industry.

Work should be done to develop green and low-carbon industries, enhance the clean and efficient utilization of coal, and continuously promote the high-quality development of such industries as coal-to-oil and coal-to-gas production, fine chemicals, and new materials.

The vice-premier also urged strengthened workplace safety in coal mines, a crackdown on various acts of illegal production in mines, and the strict implementation of accountability rules for workplace safety.