Premier Li Qiang has urged Hebei province to step up efforts to build the Xiong'an New Area into a high-quality area with high standards and make new progress in promoting the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

Li made the statement during an inspection tour in Hebei on Wednesday, which took him to Xiong'an, a centerpiece of China's regional development strategy, and the cities of Baoding and Zhuozhou.

He also called for efforts to drive development through innovation and accelerate a comprehensive green transition.

During his visit to China Satellite Network Group in Xiong'an, the premier underscored the need to attract more competitive enterprises to settle in and cultivate a high-tech industrial system to inject new momentum into the development of the area.

He said industrial agglomeration is the foundation of urban development, and it is essential that developers continuously improve the institutional mechanisms conducive to undertaking Beijing's non-capital functions and aggregating innovative resources, and actively promote the implementation of landmark projects.

Li also learned about efforts being made to protect Baiyangdian Lake and praised the work that has been undertaken to improve the local environment. He said it is crucial to promote the coordinated protection and ecological restoration of the lake and its upstream and downstream areas.

A good ecological environment is an important demonstration of the value of the Xiong'an New Area, Li said.

He urged efforts to implement the strategic decisions of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on developing the area, improving infrastructure construction and public service levels comprehensively, and creating a modern, livable and business-friendly environment.

It is important to develop new business models, cultivate new growth drivers and make "intelligence, greenness and innovation" the shining highlights of Xiong'an, he said.

After seven years of development, the Xiong'an New Area, embodying the vision of a "City of the Future", has made remarkable progress. The completion of the Beijing-Xiong'an high-speed rail link stands out as a testament to the area's growing connectivity.

The economic landscape of Xiong'an is increasingly characterized by high-tech and innovative industries. Last year, the area saw a surge in high-tech enterprises, with 323 new firms registered, a 47 percent increase year-on-year, according to the local government.

It aspires to be a model of high-level socialist modernization by 2035, showcasing green and low-carbon living, open and innovative economic systems, advanced information technology and a high quality of life.

During Wednesday's inspection tour, Li also visited a semiconductor company in Baoding, where he was briefed on its progress in scientific and technological innovation. He encouraged the company to grasp cutting-edge trends, increase R&D investment, strive to overcome challenges in key and core technologies and continuously enhance the competitive advantage.

In Zhuozhou, the premier visited a dike construction site, where he reviewed its latest progress and listened to reports on major post-disaster water conservancy projects in Hebei. He urged local officials to give extra attention to the well-being of affected residents as winter approaches, ensuring they stay safe throughout the season.