Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli has called for efforts to carry out government tasks outlined for 2013.

Zhang made the remarks while inspecting 10 government departments, including the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planning body, and the Ministry of Finance, from Monday to Friday.

When discussing this year's work with senior officials from the departments, the newly appointed vice premier said that each department should be clear about and be dedicated to its responsibilities in order to make progress and ensure social harmony and stability this year.

The government should work to stabilize economic growth and guard against inflation and control risks, while further expanding domestic demand and promoting the quality and efficiency of the economy's growth, Zhang said.

Zhang stressed the role of innovation in transforming China's old economic development model, solving overcapacity problems in some sectors and accelerating economic restructuring.

Efforts should also be made to promote the conservation of energy resources and strengthen environmental protection, he said.

During the meetings, the officials were also urged to promptly implement a recent State Council institutional reform plan that includes dismantling the Ministry of Railways into separate administrative and commercial arms, a move that is aimed at reducing bureaucracy and improving efficiency.

The government should step up the transformation of its functions and reduce the number of administrative examination and approval items, Zhang said.

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