The State Council, China's cabinet, announced on Wednesday the establishment of a leading group responsible for promoting China's manufacturing industry to turn the country into a manufacturing powerhouse.
The leading group is headed by Vice Premier Ma Kai and consists of officials from related government departments such as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the National Development and Reform Commission.
The leading group will coordinate the implementation of the strategy, including deliberating significant plans, policies and projects, as well as giving guidance to local authorities, said a statement published on the central government's website.
The leading group's office will be located within the MIIT.
The group's establishment is part of the "Made in China 2025" plan, which was released by the State Council on May 18 with the aim of upgrading China's manufacturing industry.
Since the start of China's reform and opening-up in the late 1970s, the country has gradually become one of major manufacturers in the world. However, the labor-intensive manufacturing industries have also created problems such as pollution, and "Made in China" products are often viewed as cheap and low-end goods.
Now China wants to change that reputation of "Made in China" goods by upgrading its low-end manufacturing to more tech-intensive and value-added production.
