NANJING, Oct. 17 -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has called for more effective implementation of both existing and incremental policies to fulfill the country's annual social and economic development targets.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an investigation and research tour of Henan and Jiangsu, two provinces in central and eastern China, respectively.

The tour, spanning from Monday to Thursday, focused on economic operations, sci-tech innovation and industry development.

In Zhengzhou, capital of Henan, Ding visited places including an academy of science, a university and a digital technology firm, calling for concerted efforts to promote projects aligned with major national strategies. He underscored the need to cultivate the digital economy and develop new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions.

While visiting a housing project in the city, Ding also urged strengthened financial support for the country's real-estate market.

In Suzhou and Jiangyin, two cities of Jiangsu, Ding learned about local efforts to attract foreign investment, develop the integrated circuit sector and promote vocational education. He said it is crucial to integrate sci-tech innovation and industry innovation to create momentum for high-quality development.

Work should also be done to maximize the use of local government special-purpose bonds, improve the business environment for the private businesses, and enhance services for foreign investors, he added.