BEIJING — A senior audit official called for fresh measures to promote the establishment of self-reliant, controllable, safe and efficient modern industrial chains on March 7.

Noting that the COVID-19 epidemic underscored the importance of shoring up industrial chains, Qin Boyong, deputy auditor-general of the National Audit Office, said at the ongoing "two sessions" that more efforts are needed to strengthen overall planning of industrial and supply chains at the national level.

Moreover, China needs to establish a national industrial chain security assessment system and conduct risk monitoring and security assessments on key industrial chains on a regular basis, said Qin, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Qin also urged improving the business environment to attract overseas investment in weak areas and key links of the country's industrial chains, and promoting the in-depth integration of domestic and foreign enterprises in the industrial chains.

China will continue to prioritize the development of the real economy, upgrade the industrial base and modernize industrial chains, according to a draft outline for the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for economic and social development and long-range objectives through the year 2035.