In 2025, China will deepen the reform of economic and sci-tech institutions, supporting deep integration of sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation, and of real economy and digital economy, to create new industries, new modes and new driving forces.

Examples include the application of renewable resources and new-type energy storage technologies, and the construction of zero carbon industrial parks, zero carbon communities and zero carbon villages.

Zhao Chenxin, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said this at a recent press conference.

Talking about China's high-quality development in the past year, Zhao said the effect of innovation-driven development has been manifest, and green and low-carbon transition has been accelerated.

China ranked 11th on the Global Innovation Index list in 2024. Its major innovation achievements range from the lunar exploration mission to the development of heavy-duty gas turbines.

Traditional industries were upgraded, emerging industries developed and future industries planned at a quicker pace. Zhao said the construction of a modernized industrial system was accelerated, and the added value of the high-tech manufacturing industry grew at a higher speed than that of the whole manufacturing industry.

A set of guidelines were issued to accelerate green transition in all areas of economic and social development and to advance the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goal. Thanks to the renewal of the large-scale equipment and consumer goods trade-in programs last year, more green, low-carbon and energy saving products facilitated people's daily lives, Zhao said.

The implementation of major projects to protect and restore key ecological systems was quickened. In the first three quarters of 2024, the average density of PM2.5 in cities at prefecture level and above decreased by 3.6 percent year on year, according to Zhao.

Localities are being encouraged to explore new approaches based on their own strategic positioning, advantages and local characteristics in 2025. Zhao suggested extending the industrial chain by developing new-type energy storage, green electricity-based hydrogen production, and green hydrogen derivatives in the construction of large-scale wind power photovoltaic bases in deserts.

Yuan Da, deputy secretary-general of the NDRC, said large-scale equipment and consumer goods trade-in programs will be carried out on a larger scale in 2025, involving electronic information, safety production and projected agriculture, with a raised standard for subsidy and an improved mechanism.

The NDRC will coordinate with other departments to promote the reduction of carbon emissions and pollution, and green expansion and growth to advance comprehensive green transition in economic and social development in 2025, Zhao said.