China unveils plan for new strategic industries

China has released a plan for the development of its new strategic industries from now to the end of 2015, according to a latest statement released by the State Council. The seven new strategic industries include energy conservation and environment protection, new information technology, biology, high-end equipment manufacturing, new materials, new energy and new-energy cars, according to the plan. The seven industries will maintain an average growth rate of more than 20 percent during the 2011-2015 period, the plan said. The total value-added output of the industries will account for around 8 percent in China's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2015, it said. The plan aims to boost the innovation capability of those industries, improve the environment for innovation and starting businesses and strengthen their positions in global labor division. The plan also aims at enhancing the role of the seven industries in serving the upgrading of industrial structure, energy saving and emission reduction, raising people's living standards and adding jobs. China's 12th Five-Year Program (2011-2015) on National Economic and Social Development has said that China will support the seven new strategic industries in the five-year period.