China is to speed up development in the energy-saving industry and promote consumption of IT-related products and services as it looks to spur domestic demand and push economic upgrading against the backdrop of a tottering economy.

Encouraging growth in the two sectors could ease resource restraints, unleash consumption potential, stimulate effective investments and foster emerging industries, according to a statement released after an executive meeting of the State Council presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

The latest effort to boost domestic consumption comes as the world's second-largest economy is working to steady growth in the face of a global slowdown while driving through reforms. Endi