President Hu Jintao has urged Guangdong to step up economic and social development with the aim of making the southern province one of China's first regions to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way.

Hu discussed with local officials and residents ways to achieve the mission during a study tour to enterprises and residential communities in Shenzhen, a major special economic zone, and the provincial capital Guangzhou on Aug. 11-15.

The tour was made on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen which fell on Friday last week.

To learn about the progress local enterprises had made in scientific innovation and transformation of economic growth mode, Hu visited Guangzhou-based GAC Motor Company, Guangzhou PCI Group, Tianan Hi-tech Ecological Park Co., Ltd., and Guangzhou TIT Creative Park.

The president called on the companies to further boost development and research capabilities and strive to increase their products' international competitiveness.

Hu also visited the special movie production line and digital movie special effect laboratory in Shenzhen Huqiang Culture and Technology Group Co., Ltd. He urged the company to further improve its competitiveness and brand popularity and become a leading company in the cultural industry.

During a visit to Jinshazhou, a major affordable-housing district in Guangzhou with already more than 5,300 households of low-income earners, Hu urged local governments to inject sufficient land and fund supply to affordable housing projects.

He demanded every measure be made to ensure construction of quality homes and a fair distribution of housing units among low-income earners.

The president also made a field tour to the Donghaoyong -- a river that flows through the center of Guangzhou City -- to inspect the quality of its water which had previously been heavily polluted but has been greatly improved due to government-led counter pollution efforts.

Hu reminded the authorities to continue the fight against pollution so to create a healthy environment for people to live in.