BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has urged central and western provinces to speed up economic growth efforts during a three-day visit to western China.

Li visited a local market, a village and an economic zone and talked with local people in an ethnic minority town and the capital city of Guizhou province ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The premier extended new year greetings to people from all walks of life.

Li urged local governments to improve economic, medical, ecological and infrastructure conditions as consumption in rural areas was crucial to expanding domestic demand.

Li also said the government would improve education aid policies; roll out guidelines to facilitate sector growth in central and western areas; and encourage more migrant workers to return home.

These regions can be new engines to power national economic growth and they should seek an innovative development model by facilitating industrial upgrading and supporting emerging sectors, Li added.