Liaoning province should further improve its business environment and develop a coastal economic belt as a major platform for the revitalization of China’s northeastern region, Premier Li Keqiang said on March 8.

Premier Li made the remark during a panel discussion with deputies to the National People’s Congress from Liaoning province, long a major industrial base.

Six lawmakers shared their advice with Premier Li on local development, including harbor construction, improving pension services and military-civil integration. Premier Li expressed appreciation for Liaoning’s efforts in maintaining a stable economy last year, noting that this was only achieved by overcoming huge pressures and difficulties.

He urged all deputies to deeply implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and follow the guidelines for revitalizing Northeast China that were issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council. That means further improving the local business environment and accelerating the construction of a district of modern industries that connects Shenyang and Fushun, Premier Li said.

Gross domestic product in Liaoning, one of the three provinces in the traditional northeastern industrial zone, grew by 4.2 percent to 2.39 trillion yuan ($375 billion) in 2017.

Premier Li also stressed the importance of improving employment and care for the elderly in achieving comprehensive revitalization.

Last year, 629,000 new businesses were registered in Liaoning — 1,722 registrations daily, on average — said Chen Qiufa, Liaoning’s Party chief.

A more open, friendly and fair business environment will help Liaoning attract more and better talent, which is key for high-quality growth, said Li, who served as Party secretary of Liaoning from 2004 to 2007.

Three other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee — Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng — also joined discussions with groups of NPC deputies on March 8.

In discussions with a group from Anhui province, Wang Huning urged all deputies to study and implement Xi Jinping Thought, and to safeguard Xi’s core status. He said they should implement new development concepts and promote reform in key areas.

Zhao Leji told deputies from Shanxi province that efforts to fight corruption need to be resolutely continued through Party discipline. Concerns voiced from the people need to be taken seriously, Zhao said.

Speaking with deputies from Fujian province, Han Zheng stressed the importance of improving environmental protection and developing new industries to truly improve local people’s lives.