Vice Premier Li Keqiang said Thursday, June 18 that energy-saving, environmentally-friendly industries should be made a new growth engine for China's economy.

    At a meeting in Luoyang, in central Henan Province, Li urged companies to step up innovation to cut energy use and emissions.

    Green development was a global trend in industrial restructuring, he said, and also the long-term strategy for China, which is hampered by inadequate natural resources.

    Energy saving and emission reduction is also part of the government's measures of boosting domestic consumption and maintaining growth, he said.

    Green development should be moved forward in such key areas as the industrial, transportation and construction sectors, he said.

    He asked enterprises to step up research on new energy products, environmental protection facilities, and recycling economy.

    Innovation should also be made in environmental protection policies to facilitate green industrial restructuring, he said.

    Li also visited residents community in the Luoyang city and called on people to enhance green awareness.

    China is marking an energy-saving awareness week from June 14-21.