Momentum for economic growth, including new industries such as the digital economy, should be accelerated, while traditional industries should be upgraded to promote higher-quality development in Zhejiang province, Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday.

In the past five years, Zhejiang has made extraordinary achievements in reform, development and economic transformation, Li said during a panel discussion with National People's Congress deputies from the province.

Li said the province should unite around the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core, to carry out its policies, together with the directives of the State Council, the country's Cabinet.

The premier also called for the transformation of government functions by strengthening the supervision to further stimulate market vitality and social creativity.

The private sector, and small and micro enterprises, should be supported by stronger efforts to upgrade entrepreneurship and innovation, which will help boost employment and improve people's livelihoods, Li said.

Yuan Jiajun, governor of Zhejiang, said the province's development method has changed fundamentally, with increases in the service sector and high-tech industries.

Zhejiang's investment in research and development increased by 11.8 percent annually in the past five years, Yuan said.

The province has more than 11,400 high-tech companies, more than double the number in 2013, he said.

Premier Li Keqiang joins the discussions of Zhejiang delegation on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]