Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday said China should explore and utilize ocean resources scientifically and quicken the development of the marine economy.

This would step up transformation of the nation's economic growth pattern, and further boost the economic development in the eastern regions in the country, the premier said.

Wen made the remarks after listening to a report based on research work by academicians and experts with the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) on the comprehensive development of coastal areas and islands of east China's Zhejiang Province.

China not only has vast lands but also broad territorial waters, Wen said, adding that "We should stick to the policy of coordinating the development of land and sea economies during the 12th Five-Year Program Period (2011-2015)."

The research was among a series of researches conducted by academicians and experts during the last ten years which had also looked at issues such as the sustainable development of China's water resources, ecological and environmental protection, water pollution prevention, and strategies for desertification treatment.

Wen said lack of water resources is a critical issue facing China and the country's water conversation projects remain inadequate. To beef up water conservation constructions and solve the water issue would be a long and arduous task for China.