A top official in the northern province of Shanxi said that the province would seek to expand its service trade and encourage investment in that sector.

Addressing a recent provincial economic meeting, Meng Xuenong, who became vice governor and acting governor of Shanxi in early September, said that officials would announce preferential policies to encourage investment in services. He didn't elaborate.

As an inland region, Shanxi, known as the "sea of coal," has long depended on energy- and resource-based industries for economic growth, which has made it difficult to save energy, cut pollution or generate employment.

According to Meng, services contributed 36.4 percent to the province's gross domestic product (GDP) last year, three percentage points below the national average.

"Development of services is necessary to save energy and cut pollution and also a pragmatic choice in creating more jobs," said Meng.

To develop service trade, Meng suggested Shanxi should take advantage of the Olympic games next year and concentrate on developing cultural tourism and modern logistics.