"The government should make full use of its economic advantage, actively learning from other's experiences, and explore a new path that incorporates scientific research, production and marketing," he said, without any obvious meaning, to polite applause.

A chubby and jovial figure who often dangled a cigarette, Mr Zhao was an adept politician. In one speech, he praised the Yunnei car engine company as a well-loved brand in Europe and claimed it would "open a UK manufacturing base in January 2013".