Li Qiang is poised to be confirmed as China's premier during the National People's Congress, which began on Sunday, replacing the retiring Li Keqiang, who is widely perceived as a pro-market reformer who was increasingly sidelined as Xi Jinping tightened his grip on the management of the economy.

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called on domestic manufacturers to enhance technological innovations and improve quality of products as a way to upgrade the sector and increase global competitiveness.