By Kate Yuan

(JW Insights) Apr 14 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited China’s autonomous driving startup Horizon Robotics (地平线), and stressed the need to accelerate chip R&D and manufacturing and stabilize supply chains, during a fact-finding trip to Beijing's unicorn companies - startups valued at over $1 billion, on April 12, according to China Daily.

During his visit to Horizon Robotics, Li learned about the research and development of its chips. He said the development of smart vehicles represents an important direction for the auto sector, as it integrates multiple functions and caters to many demands. He also stressed the necessity to develop more innovative products and technologies and work toward greater breakthroughs in the development of industries.

During a visit to Beijing HyperStrong (海博思创), a leading provider of energy storage services, Li noted that such services play a key role in the energy revolution, adding that there is broad room for growth in the sector.

The premier underlined the importance of integrating the development of new energy and the energy storage sector, saying that more work must be done to enhance planning, guidance and policy support.

He encouraged businesses to keep advancing through technological progress, better adapt to the changes in the market and cater to the demands of users.

During a visit to GalaxySpace (银河航天), a private satellite maker, Li learned about products being developed and different satellite models already deployed in space. Noting that the development of the satellite internet industry is ongoing, he called on authorities to encourage companies to step up research and development of core technologies and components while pursuing world-class standards.

It is important to keep lowering the cost of production, scale up its application and promotion, and enable the coordinated development of relevant industries, he said.