Beijing plans to make digital sector a key growth engine

Beijing government will speed up developing its digital sector and cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum, integrated circuit and life science, Chen Jining, the mayor, said in a government report on Saturday.

He said this year, the capital plans to build 6,000 5G base stations, a trusted digital infrastructure based on blockchain, an open service platform that integrates artificial intelligence, data, computing power and algorithm and an international big data exchange.

"Beijing will ramp up efforts to develop the digital sector and make it a leading role in boosting high-tech industries such as information technology, healthcare and intelligent manufacturing," he said at the opening ceremony during the fourth session of the 15th Beijing Municipal People's Congress.

The city will also strengthen emerging industries such as integrated circuits and new materials and accelerate development of aerospace engineering, high-end precision instruments and sensors. It plans to build a high-level autonomous driving demonstration zone.

To achieve the goals, Chen said key industry innovation centers in the Zhongguancun science park, Changping district and Huairou district should set an example and provide their enterprises with high-quality service and robust innovative platforms.

"The capital is building itself into a talent highland by creating better academic and living environment in international schools, communities and hospitals to attract more talents from overseas.

"The municipal government will promote legislation on intellectual property rights and establish green channels for innovative entities to create a pool for patents," he said.

The conference will conclude on Wednesday.