BEIJING — Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli on June 17 urged local governments in China’s northeastern region to revitalize the old industrial base.

Zhang made the remarks during a two-day visit to Liaoning province.

The northeast region plays a significant part in the country’s overall development, the vice premier said at a meeting Friday with officials from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces.

The region should pursue innovation-driven development and accelerate the development of new industries, he said.

Local governments should transform their functions, streamline administration and delegate power to lower levels to create a sound business environment, Zhang said.

Efforts should also be made to introduce, cultivate and retain talented people to provide sufficient intelligence during the revitalization, he said.

Local governments should also build livable environment and improve people’s lives to give all people access to the fruit of the country’s development, Zhang said.

In April, the State Council unveiled a guideline for rejuvenating the northeast rustbelt region through more reforms and economic restructuring.

The northeast, including Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces, was among the first regions in China to become industrialized. Its traditional industries include steel, automobile, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing and petroleum refining.