BEIJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday urged counsellors of the State Council and researchers of the China Central Institute for Culture and History to help address challenges in the country's economic and social development by offering targeted and feasible research results.

Li presented certificates of appointment to newly-appointed counsellors and researchers and attended a seminar with them.

Given increased domestic and international challenges, old and new contradictions, and downward pressure, counsellors and researchers should focus on challenges in development and produce insightful, targeted and operable research, Li said at the seminar.

He suggested they make greater efforts to study new patterns and trends in the global economy as well as how to balance stable growth and restructuring, push forward supply-side structural reform, promote structural upgrades and enhance competitiveness through continued innovation.

The premier also urged counsellors and researchers to play an active role in spreading traditional Chinese culture, promoting morals and boosting development of Chinese civilization in the contemporary era.

All departments of the State Council should carefully study and learn from their research and policy recommendations to improve government performance and capability, Li stressed.

Moreover, he asked counsellors and researchers to pool wisdom of experts and the public and build a high-calibre advisory body for the government.

Counsellors and researchers are appointed by the premier. Most of them are members of non-Communist parties or people with no party affiliation. They are mainly tasked with consulting on state affairs, making recommendations, recording history, and promoting the united front.