SHENYANG -- Senior official of the Communist Party of China Li Changchun has called for greater efforts to accelerate economic transformation in Northeast China's old industrial bases during his trip to Liaoning province from last Friday to Tuesday.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, encouraged enterprises in the industrial base to foster modern management systems and increase input in research and development to sharpen their competitive edge both in the domestic and international market.

While touring the Huachen Auto Group, Li said the company should place emphasis on innovation to build its brand "Zhonghua" into a recognized name that can represent China worldwide.

Li also made tours of several privately-owned enterprises. He urged them to better their cultural environment to attract more professionals to spur sound development in the private sector.

Hailing the remarkable progress made in the old industrial bases after the government implemented a strategy to regenerate the regions, Li expressed hope that the areas could make a bigger contribution to China's efforts in structural adjustment and industrial upgrading.