Premier Li Qiang calls for accelerated development of high-end manufacturing

DALIAN: Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday underscored the importance of advancing high-end equipment manufacturing and accelerating the construction of a modern industrial system to inject fresh momentum into China’s high-quality economic development.

During an inspection tour of Dalian in northeast China’s Liaoning Province, Li called for intensified efforts to achieve breakthroughs in critical technologies, strengthen industrial innovation and enhance the competitiveness of key manufacturing sectors.

Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the development of advanced manufacturing capabilities remained central to China’s long-term economic transformation and modernization goals.

Highlighting Dalian’s longstanding industrial heritage, the premier described the city as a key hub for China’s shipbuilding sector and urged authorities to capitalize on its strong industrial foundation.

He called for accelerated development of advanced manufacturing clusters and the establishment of a world-class shipbuilding and offshore engineering equipment base.

Li emphasized the need to strengthen research and development, accelerate technological breakthroughs and cultivate a new generation of highly skilled engineers, technicians and industrial workers to support the sector’s continued growth.

He noted that expanding the competitive advantages of China’s shipbuilding and marine engineering industries would contribute significantly to the country’s broader industrial modernization drive.

The premier stressed the importance of translating scientific and technological achievements into practical industrial applications.

He called for stronger integration between innovation, industry and market demand to ensure that new technologies contribute directly to economic development and industrial upgrading.

Li also highlighted the role of advanced nuclear energy technologies, urging efforts to promote their safe and efficient application in support of China’s green and low-carbon development objectives.

According to Li, building a modern industrial system requires a dual approach that simultaneously nurtures emerging industries while revitalizing traditional sectors.

He said China should continue fostering future-oriented industries driven by innovation, while also accelerating the transformation and upgrading of conventional manufacturing sectors to improve productivity and efficiency.

This balanced strategy, he noted, would help strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the national economy.

Li emphasized the strategic importance of high-end petrochemical equipment manufacturing, describing it as a key factor in improving the quality and operational efficiency of related industries.

He called for increased investment in research, development and advanced production capabilities to support the modernization of China's petrochemical sector and enhance its international competitiveness.

The Chinese premier also stressed the importance of integrating digital and intelligent technologies across industrial sectors.

He urged enterprises to accelerate the adoption of digital transformation, smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence-driven solutions to improve efficiency and productivity.

At the same time, Li highlighted the need to strengthen industrial and supply chain resilience to better withstand external uncertainties and evolving global economic conditions.

By enhancing innovation capacity, improving supply chain security and advancing industrial modernization, China can continue to strengthen its core competitiveness and sustain long-term high-quality growth, he said.

Li's visit reflects Beijing’s continued focus on upgrading the manufacturing sector as a cornerstone of economic development.

As China pursues its modernization agenda, policymakers are placing increasing emphasis on advanced manufacturing, technological self-reliance, green development and industrial innovation as key drivers of future growth.

Observers view the premier’s remarks as a reaffirmation of China’s commitment to building a modern industrial economy capable of supporting sustainable development and maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly complex global landscape.