BEIJING - Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli has stressed the need for reform and innovation in order to cope with challenges and promote sustainable development of the country's economy.

Zhang made the remarks during an inspection tour of the cities of Langfang, Cangzhou and Baoding in north China's Hebei Province on Monday and Tuesday.

He visited enterprises and an environmental monitoring station, and held a symposium with business executives to solicit opinions and suggestions.

Zhang said China has maintained a stable economic situation since the beginning of this year and there have been positive economic developments.

However, the overall economy at home and abroad is complicated and China should remain alert to difficulties and risks generated by economic downturn, he warned.

Zhang urged full implementation of the tasks raised by the government work report in March, and called on the public to maintain confidence in achieving this year's economic and social development goals.

The vice premier reiterated the need to expand consumption, accelerate construction of key projects, attract more private investment and stabilize imports and exports.

China will deepen reform, streamline administration, delegate more power to lower-level governments, optimize economic structure, strengthen environmental protection, and solve long-existing conflicts and emerging problems, Zhang vowed.

Approving of Hebei's economic and social achievements, Zhang called on the province to develop in a scientific and environmentally friendly way in accordance with the instructions of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

"The province should steadfastly resolve excessive production capacity, resolutely fight air pollution and solve the people's problems," he said.

Zhang also expressed his hope that enterprises can enhance management over the market and promote economic restructuring so as to maintain healthy economic growth.