BEIJING - Strong measures need to be taken against fake and shoddy products and government departments must ensure they are using only authorized editions of computer software, said Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan on Thursday, the International Day for Consumers' Rights and Interests.

Wang, who heads a leading group on the nation's fight against intellectual property rights (IPR) infringement and the fight against manufacturing and sale of fake and shoddy goods, made the remarks at a national meeting.

This battle concerns the smooth implementation of China's 12th Five-Year Plan, its bids to transform the country's growth mode, adjust its economic structure, improve the quality and efficiency of development, build an innovative nation and improve people's livelihoods, the vice-premier said.

He ordered authorities to step up the fight against infringement of IPR and promote the use of copyrighted software in government departments, so as to safeguard consumers' legal rights and interests and create a better environment for innovation.

Achievements have been made in the field by cracking down on a series of serious infringement cases, he said.

However, "the situation is still arduous," Wang noted, adding that the fight against shoddy food, drugs and building materials should be prioritized.

The manufacturing and sale of fake goods in the agricultural field should be seriously dealt with, especially on the occasion of spring ploughing, so as to protect farmers' interests, Wang said.

He stressed improving the legal system, promoting integrity, publicizing infringement cases and strengthening social supervision.

Wang ordered all provincial government departments to remove any pirate softwares by June, and county and city government should do so by the end of this year.

"Purchasing expenditure should be included in the financial budget, and systems on software assets management and audit supervision should be built," the vice-premier said.