Vice Premier urges SOEs to contribute more in economic growth

Source: Xinhua | 12-26-2008 08:42

BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang said Thursday state-owned enterprises (SOE) should continue playing the leading role with more reform and technological innovations and make more contributions to growth as the country faces economic hardship.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang (C) speaks during a  working conference on the supervision and control over  state-owned property in Beijing, capital of China,  Dec. 25, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

Speaking at a conference on the supervision and administration of state-owned assets, Zhang urged the SOEs to further expand domestic and international markets, develop self-innovation capabilities to raise competitiveness and deepen reform to increase vigor.

At a time of economic hardship, SOEs should assume the responsibility and continue playing the leading role to ensure a sound and fast economic growth, said the vice premier.

He also said it is necessary to strengthen management and supervision of SOEs so that they would take responsibility for preserving and increasing the value of the state assets.