BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang has told Guangdong Province to continue in its pioneering role in reform and opening up, as the slowing economy is restructured.

Joining national lawmakers during the annual session of the National People's Congress Wednesday, Li said the region should propel supply-side structural reforms and promote mass entrepreneurship and innovation.

"In the vanguard of the reform and opening up, Guangdong has made major contribution to China's economic development," Li said.

Given the complicated situation this year, Li said he hoped the region would continue to take the lead in reform, cutting red tape, eliminating barriers and facing global competition.

The province should encourage new industries by promoting new technology and supporting startups in all sectors. More needs to be done to encourage investment in upgrades of traditional sectors and in personnel, Li said.

Speaking to lawmakers from Hainan, Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said cultural and ideological progress is needed along with material progress to achieve the goals set in the 13th Five-Year Plan.

Liu called on the authorities to promote socialist core values and traditional Chinese virtues, and advocate green and carbon-efficient lifestyles.