BEIJING - China should use technology and innovation to support medium-to-high growth in the economy, and accelerate growth in the tourism sector, the State Council said on Wednesday.

China should strengthen basic research, create platforms for the fruits of technological research to be transformed into productivity, and give more room to creativity, according to a statement released after a State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

Tourism is an important part of modern services and speeding up the sector's development plays an important role in job creation and poverty reduction in central and western regions, as well as bolstering economic growth and environmental protection, it noted.

High priority will be given to ensuring environmental-friendly practices in tourism. China's tourist industry should also be opened to more social and foreign capital to support its development, according to the statement.

The State Council said that China will reduce administrative approvals and provide more support in financing, business site use and promotion to build stronger tourism enterprises, while increasing spending on tourist infrastructure, public services and training.

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