Premier Li Keqiang called for greater efforts to improve manufacturing by upgrading Chinese equipment and brands.

Speaking at an executive meeting of the State Council on March 25, the Premier noted the importance of the manufacturing industry as a foundation of the economy amid ongoing industrialization.

The meeting decided to accelerate the implementation of the “Made in China 2025” strategy to upgrade manufacturing.

After nearly three years being formulated, the plan is considered as the first 10-year roadmap to transform China from a large-scale manufacturer to a manufacturing superpower.

The Premier said there still remains huge potential for the industry despite the success it has achieved internationally.

“Some of China’s products still lag behind those of developed countries, regarding technology as well as the production process,” Li said.

The key to the “Made in China 2025” program is based on the current reality while highlighting future priorities, he said.

The Premier pointed to a document in his hand and said that no one would be interested in a strategy that listed various aspects without giving specific points.

He expressed his appreciation for a directory system of green books that was listed in the program as it clarified the future direction, standards and priorities that are needed to upgrade key industrial sectors.

As a result, relevant policies in terms of taxation, financing and expertise should give more consideration to these sectors, Li said.

We often say that one should know exactly what can be done, and what cannot be done, the Premier said. Breakthroughs we make in certain areas will help to lay a solid foundation for future development of the industry, and bring the nation’s manufacturing to a new level in ten years, he added.