'Internet Plus' to fuel innovation, development

BEIJING -- The notion of "Internet Plus" mentioned by Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday has drawn wide attention, as many see it as a sign of the government's increasing emphasis on the Internet industry.

When delivering the government work report, Li said, China will develop the "Internet Plus" action plan to integrate mobile Internet, cloud computing, big data and the Internet of Things with modern manufacturing, to encourage the healthy development of e-commerce, industrial networks, and Internet banking, and to help Internet companies increase their international presence.

"From the report, we can see that the promotion of trans-boundary integration of the Internet has become a focus of government work," said Fang Xingdong, chairman of think tank China Labs.

Internet Plus is the integration of the Internet and traditional industries through online platforms and IT technology, it is expected to help economic restructuring, improve people's livelihoods and transform of government functions, according to Wu Hequan, academic of Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Xu Linshen, vice general manager of the Beijing-based Qing-Feng Steamed Dumpling Shop, said: "Efficiency has improved since we brought in an e-commerce system that monitors sales. For example, if sales slip for one particular item we are notified and can investigate the reasons behind it."

The Internet is also a driving force for the transformation of traditional manufacturing. Zheng Jie, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) and general manager of Zhejiang branch of China Mobile, suggested that more "Made in China" products should use intelligent network and mobile Internet technology.

Internet financing is a rising industry and has promoted restructuring of traditional financing institutions. Major banks, including China Merchants Bank, China Minsheng Bank, and China development Bank, have launched online petty loan applications in recent years.

Wu Hequan said Internet Plus not only had economic benefits, but will also improve public services.

"For example, taxi-hailing apps can help save energy and cut emissions. Online appointment with doctors, telemedicine, and video lectures are also more convenient for busy people," he said.

During the ongoing "two sessions", NPC deputy and Tencent chairman Pony Ma, proposed that mobile Internet can be used to to solve social problems, such as medical treatment, education resources and smog.

According to China Internet Network Information Center, China had 649 million Internet users by the end of 2014, and some 557 million used cell phones to get online.

Li Jiang, a consultant of Beijing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, said, besides market, the government should also take up the responsibility to promote the Internet penetration and application, especially in terms of information security, data sharing among different social sectors, and the setting of IT standards.

In the opinion of Fang Xingdong, the Internet is not only reshaping the economy, society and governance, but is also creating new opportunities to connect China and the rest of the world.

China has been transforming from a follower into a major player in the world's Internet industry during the past two decades, he observed.

"The next decade will be a time for the Chinese Internet to broaden its reach globally," he said, "with the help of Internet, China will pursue its development opportunities with a global vision."