China's Vice Premier Li Keqiang (C) speaks during a meeting as he makes an inspection tour to a state recycling economy pilot base under ChinaChem Group in Beijing, China, May 14, 2010. Li Friday called for the development of a recycling economy to improve resource utilization efficiency and protect the environment. [Xinhua]

China's Vice Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R) makes an inspection tour to a state recycling economy pilot base under ChinaChem Group in Beijing, China, May 14, 2010. Li Friday called for the development of a recycling economy to improve resource utilization efficiency and protect the environment. [Xinhua]

China's Vice Premier Li Keqiang Friday called for the development of a recycling economy to improve resource utilization efficiency and protect the environment.

Developing a recycling economy was a significant mission for China, which urgently needed to change its economic growth mode of "high consumption, high pollution and poor recycling," said Li in an inspection tour to a state recycling economy pilot base under ChinaChem Group.

Li said developing a recycling economy would help the enterprises improve product structures, fuel technology innovation and improve competitiveness.

He called for a combination of resource conservation, environment protection and economic efficiency to cultivate emerging "green" industries.

Authorities should transform traditional industries by promoting a clean, efficient and safe production, said Li.

Li also called for more investment in recycling economy development, and implementation of supporting government fiscal, pricing and financial policies.

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2010)