BEIJING, Feb. 11 -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang on Tuesday said the international horticultural exposition to be held in Beijing in 2019 will serve as practice in building a "beautiful China," a phrase used by the government to refer to the country's ecological progress.

The Beijing horticultural expo will be a key platform for China to demonstrate its achievements in ecological progress and step up global exchanges and cooperation in "green sectors," Wang said while chairing the first meeting of the expo's preparation committee.

It will be a key opportunity for China to promote "green development" concepts and upgrade economic growth modes and lifestyles, Wang said.

The Beijing horticultural expo will bear the theme "green life and beautiful homeland," Wang said.

Wang stressed austerity in organizing the expo, while calling for stepped-up efforts in making rules and building infrastructure.