Ministry unveils plans to power up lithium-ion battery firms

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology launched a draft on Wednesday to promote the development of lithium-ion batteries, which industry insiders said is part of the nation's accelerated effort to boost the new energy sector.

In the draft, the ministry encouraged companies to perfect top-level policy design of lithium-ion battery and to push for the automation of production procedures.

"(The move) aims to help firms in the sector to reduce costs and shorten the production cycle. It also aims to improve energy utilization efficiency," said the draft.