Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has visited eastern China's Shanghai municipality and Zhejiang province. He told companies hit by the economic downturn to stay confident.

Premier Wen Jiabao visited private companies and state-owned enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta region in eastern China.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) talks with a vendor at Yiwu International Trade City in east China's Zhejiang Province Nov. 21, 2008. Wen Jiabao made an inspection tour of Shanghai Municipality and Zhejiang Province from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23, 2008.[Xinhua Photo]

With the adverse impact of the global economic downturn playing out, Premier Wen told the companies not to lose heart.

Premier Wen Jiabao said, "Enterprises must have confidence to stabilize market expectations. Confidence is what it takes to weather adverse situations."

China is currently trying to increase domestic consumption to cushion the impact of weakening demand for exports. Along with China's financial hub Shanghai, the Premier also visited Zhejiang Province, known for its export-driven private entrepreneurs.