Chinese State Councilor Wu Yi has urged industry and commerce administrations around the country to improve their management and support economic development.

Wu said at a national conference in Beijing on December 16 that related departments should make every effort to support the restructuring of State-owned enterprises (SOEs) to increase their competitiveness.

Promoting the restructuring of China's economy and making further progress in the realm of science and technology is a major decision adopted by the Chinese government for the 21st century, Wu said. Departments should fully support new and high-tech industries, especially in the western areas.

Wu also called for stern measures to be enforced against illegal activities within the economic sector.