Top officials in Harbin have urged the promotion of technological innovation to support the city's economic development at a meeting held on Feb 4.

Chen Haibo, secretary of the Harbin municipal Party committee, stressed at the conference that government at all levels should promote industrial and social development through technological innovation.

Chen noted that Harbin's industrial development is currently not particularly advanced.

"We have to boost innovation-driven development through the reform and upgrading of new business models, vigorously develop emerging industries, and nurture new engines for growth," Chen said.

Chen claimed that the key task of promoting technological innovation is to upgrade and transform traditional industry.

"We have to greatly promote the transformation of technological achievements," he said.

He also encouraged the introduction of more people with professional skills and the sharing of resources among different institutions.

Song Xibin, mayor of Harbin, called for the deepening of supply-side structural reforms and the taking advantage of new opportunities brought about by the new industrial technology revolution.

Song called for the development of science and technology within industries, and a focus on improving overall industrial competitiveness.

"We have to transform and upgrade the China time-honored brands through reform and development of new technologies," he said.

"Meanwhile, we also have to develop new brands through the development of new technologies and new industrial models," he added.

Song also encouraged all related departments to promote more services for companies to raise funds, and create a better atmosphere for people to carry out reforms and innovation.