BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday urged efforts to implement the people-centered new urbanization strategy, unleash the potential of domestic demand contained in the integrated development of urban and rural areas, and boost economic and social development.

Li made the remarks while presiding over a State Council study session. Vice premiers Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng and State Councilor Wang Xiaohong delivered speeches at the meeting.

Noting that new urbanization strategy is important for expanding domestic demand, promoting industrial upgrading and strengthening the domestic circulation, Li said that significant progress has been made in the move nationwide in recent years, and there is still a vast space for the development of new urbanization in the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30).

China's urbanization is shifting from a period of rapid growth to a stable development stage, Li said, noting that profound changes are taking place in the population structure, urban system, and urban and rural development. It is necessary to further enhance the pertinence and effectiveness of the new urbanization work, he added.

Li urged efforts to implement the new urbanization plan in a way that suits local conditions, further optimize the layout of "people, industry and city," and take more forceful and targeted measures to solve problems such as employment, social security, housing and children's education for the rural migrant population.

It is also necessary to implement the urban renewal initiative and steadily advance the construction of "quality homes" and the high-quality development of the real estate sector, he said.

Efforts will also be made to strengthen the connection of infrastructure and industrial alignment between urban and rural areas to promote integrated urban-rural development, he added.