Chinese State Councilor Wu Yi said that all localities and governmental departments in China, especially those in the central and western regions, should earnestly implement the government's plan to accelerate economic development in these two regions.

Wu made the remark during her November 1-4 inspection tour of central China's Hubei Province.

Wu said central and western China should attach great importance to the role of foreign trade and economic cooperation in boosting economic development and social progress.

Greater efforts should be made to sharpen the competitive edge of these regions in the international market and to increase exports, especially exports of electro-mechanical and new and high- tech products, Wu said.

Wu also asked these regions to take effective measures to improve their economic development zones.

These zones should aim to attract high-tech multinational projects which can become a driving force for other industries, Wu said. (Xinhua)