CHONGQING — Vice-Premier Han Zheng has called on Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality to promote high-quality development and continue to break new ground in all areas.

Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a research trip to Chongqing on Oct 14 and Oct 15.

Chongqing should play a key role in advancing the large-scale development of the western region, promoting the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the green development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

During his visit to an auto research and development center and a new-energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, Han stressed more input in research to make breakthroughs in key auto parts, and called for the building of homegrown auto brands, wider application of NEVs in urban public transport and the sustainable development of the industry.

Efforts should be made to foster intelligent industries, popularize intelligent technologies and knowledge, and develop intelligent economy, he added.

In his visit to a semi-conductor firm, Han encouraged local companies to enhance their competitiveness and asked local authorities to further improve the business environment.