Internet industry to stimulate economy: Minister

China plans to speed the development of Internet-related businesses as Beijing expects the industry to boost the weakening economy, government officials said on Tuesday.

The government will support the construction of Internet infrastructure such as fiber-optic communications networks and public wifi hotspots, said Miao Wei, head of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

"The making and consumption of Web content will help to stimulate domestic demand and lift the economy," he said.

China spends "several hundred billion yuan" upgrading the nation's Internet infrastructures every year, according to Miao.

In addition, the minister underlined the importance of innovation, saying Chinese companies should find ways for the Internet industry to further integrate with other industries, including tourism, hospitality and financial services.