Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang called for more efforts and investment in geological prospecting to ensure domestic energy supply.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R) talks with scientists and researchers as he visits Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 17, 2009.

Li made the remarks during a visit to the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences Monday.

China has made great progress in geological prospecting since 1949, which was of great importance to national industrial and economic development, Li said.

More efforts should be spent on this field, especially the exploration of major resources, as energy shortage had become a major constraining factor to economic and social development with domestic demand expanding, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2009)