AI is an important engine for 'new productive forces', China's Li says

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's premier called artificial intelligence an important engine for the "new productive forces", state television CCTV said on Wednesday.

Premier Li Qiang said China will speed up computing levels and promote algorithm break-throughs and data utilisation.

"New productive forces" is a term coined by President Xi Jinping last September when he highlighted the need for a new model for economic development based on innovation in advanced sectors.

Li also paid a visit to Baidu's office in Beijing, an autonomous driving demonstration zone in the capital as well as Naura Technology, CCTV said.

(Reporting by Liz Lee, Albee Zhang; editing by Christina Fincher)