Li Keqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, joins a discussion with deputies from central China's Henan Province, who attend the first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC), in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2013. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)

Li Keqiang (C), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, joins a discussion with deputies from central China's Henan Province, who attend the first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC), in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2013. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

Vice Premier Li Keqiang and other senior Chinese leaders on Saturday joined lawmakers in panel discussions during the ongoing annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislature.

In a panel discussion with lawmakers from Henan Province, which is home to a large food industry, Li said authorities and enterprises must shoulder their due responsibilities to ensure food safety.

He also urged the central province to explore new methods to boost social and economic development in a more balanced way.