(Bloomberg) -- Shares of Chinese power producers gained after President Xi Jinping called for deeper reforms in the energy sector and other industries ahead of a key party meeting in July.

Leshan Electric Power Co. shares rose by the daily limit of 10% in Shanghai, while Shanghai Electric Power Co. jumped as much as 8.2%. Huadian Power International Corp. advanced 6.3% in Hong Kong. 

Xi’s remarks at a symposium this week came as investors look for clues on any major policy shifts that may be unveiled at the third plenum, a closed-door conclave in July that will be watched for long-term reform signs. Symposium attendees talked about deepening energy sector reform, upgrading traditional industries via technology, improving foreign company business environment and other issues, according to a report by the Xinhua News Agency.

“The core of the so-called power system reform is to solve the contradiction between electricity prices and fees,” said Shen Meng, a director at Beijing-based investment bank Chanson & Co. “The recent utility price hike including electricity will benefit power companies and ease the rising cost pressure.”

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While there were no further details, the report said Xi named property, employment and childcare as other areas in need of reform breakthroughs. 

Representatives from business and academia — including State Power Investment Corp. Chairman Liu Mingsheng and Anta Sports Products Ltd. Chairman Ding Shizhong — attended the symposium chaired by Xi in Shandong province on Thursday, Xinhua said. 

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