BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has called for stepped-up recycling to achieve better use of resources.

    Li made the comments during a visit to pilot enterprises Thursday. He also attended a forum on the development of recycling economy.

    Li emphasized the importance of recycling and urged companies to cultivate new areas of economic growth, as the global financial crisis still weighed on the real economy.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R Front) listens to an official of Shenhua Group Company introducing how to realize the development of the recycling economy in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2009.

Promoting recycling would not only improve the use of resources and protect the environment, it would also help companies become more profitable, he said.

    Enterprises should employ advanced technology and equipment and improve their management to achieve the most efficient use of resources with the lowest level of pollution and wastes, he said.

    Li stressed technological progress and innovation, especially in key industries and major enterprises, and called for increased investment to support the development of recycling.

    From late April to August, about 100 academicians, experts and work staff would be sent to companies and grassroots units nationwide to do research and provide guidance on recycling.