BEIJING -- A senior Chinese leader on Wednesday urged State-owned enterprises to increase scientific and technological innovation and improve workplace safety.

He Guoqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a visit to the National Institute of Clean-and-Low-Carbon Energy in Beijing's suburban Changping district.

Talking with J. Michael Davis, president and chief executive officer of the institute, He said he hopes Davis can introduce advanced experience to China and help the institute ramp up innovation in order to turn it into a world-class energy research center, innovation base and talent training center.

Davis said the Chinese government has provided incomparable support for technological innovation, adding that he believes China will lead the world in the field of industrial research.

During an inspection of the Shenhua Group, China's biggest coal producer and the investor of the institute, He called for greater efforts to ensure work safety and improve management.

He encouraged the company to improve its ability to innovate, boost energy efficiency and enhance international cooperation in order to provide a solid foundation for the country's social and economic development.