Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan has urged east China's Anhui Province to push forward strategic adjustment of economic structure, promote scientific innovations and develop its economy in a fast and sound manner.

In a recent tour to the province, Zeng said Anhui maintained a sound development momentum although it was hit by severe flooding from the Huaihe River.

Zeng visited the steel giant Ma'anshan Iron and Steel, China's fourth largest sedan producer Chery Automobile, and a research center under China Electronics Technology Group Corporation.

"Anhui should try to take the lead in the development of central China with its rich resources and talents, which provide a sound base for development", said Zeng.

He urged local government to strengthen its advantages in the industries of automobile, electronics and new materials, and cultivate more small-and-medium-sized private enterprises with innovative capabilities in their specialized fields.

Zeng also underscored the importance of saving energy and reducing the emission of pollutants, especially pressing for pollution reduction in the Huaihe River and Chaohu Lake.

(Xinhua News Agency September 23, 2007)