NANJING: The service outsourcing industry is vital to boosting Jiangsu's economy and is a top priority of the provincial government, said Zhang Weiguo, vice-governor of the eastern province.

Zhang made the remarks at the Jiangsu International Service Outsourcing Conference, which opened over the weekend and features over 1,800 business people, and officials and experts from 32 countries and regions, including the UK, France, Japan and India.

"Because we are facing increased pressure in terms of population, resources and industrial structures, it is a wise choice to adopt the strategy of developing international service outsourcing industry," Zhang said.