Premier Li Keqiang has urged efforts to upgrade traditional industries and make them more competitive through technological innovation.

Li made the comments during an inspection tour to northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on February 1and 2, where he visited a reservoir construction site, mosque, nursing home and local business.

While inspecting a foundry and a 3D printing workshop, Li said there is still ample room to transform traditional industries by applying "revolutionary new technologies."

China can find the best technological solution for upgrading traditional sectors by gathering talent and learning from other countries, the premier said.

Li called for a more open platform to facilitate enterprises and scientific research institutions in an effort to encourage innovation, which will accelerate the transformation of traditional industries.

He also demanded more effort to promote poverty reduction, improve people's livelihood and strengthen national unity.

Aided by the "Smart Ningxia" cloud platform, Li sent his early lunar New Year greetings to local people.

(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2016)