Nation set to cultivate new growth drivers

Real economy and innovation the key pillars for building a modernised industrial system. Fan Feifei reports

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He called for more research and development investment in crucial technologies, including basic materials and software, precision components, integrated circuits and high-end equipment, strengthening of intellectual property rights protection and optimising of the business environment.

Pan Helin, a member of the expert committee for information and communication economy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said China's advanced manufacturing is critical in promoting high-quality economic growth and in improving technological innovation.

"Over the next five years it is crucial to move the manufacturing sector towards the higher-end, making it smarter and more eco-friendly," Pan said.

China has been the world's largest manufacturer for the past 15 years, and its manufacturing output accounts for about 30 per cent of the global total, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said the recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for the 15th Five-Year Plan underlined the importance of creating emerging pillar industries and accelerating the development of strategic and emerging industry clusters, including new energy, new materials, aerospace and the low-altitude economy.