Li says virtual commerce can benefit real economy

Premier visits a bustling village whose growth is driven by Internet

Premier Li Keqiang visited China's leading e-commerce village on Wednesday, a trip that experts said shows the government regards Internet-based retailing as increasingly important as it seeks to boost domestic consumption and drive the sluggish economy.

Li said that although the e-commerce industry is based in the virtual world, it can serve the real economy. He made his comments after visiting Qingyanliu village in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, where he talked to online shop owners, suppliers and couriers.