China's top legislator Wu Bangguo has called for more efforts in economic restructuring and industrial upgrading in order to strengthen the economy.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks in a trip to Hubei Province from Tuesday through Friday.

The impact of the global financial crisis on China's economy was deepening, said Wu.

He urged doing a good job in economic restructuring and industrial upgrading, which he said is important to realizing sustainable development and also the fundamental way out of the current difficult situation.

But the government should strictly control the direction of investment so as to avoid redundant construction and blind expansion, he said.

Wu also urged local authorities to stimulate employment and improve living standards.

Wu visited factories, higher education institutions, research centers and residential communities to investigate the issues of employment, social securities, education and medical care in the area.

(Xinhua News Agency April 4, 2009)