China has unveiled new measures to promote science and technology in the commercial sector, aiming to upgrade consumer goods, expand services consumption and improve commercial circulation.

The guideline, jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and eight other government agencies and published on Monday, encourages wider adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, blockchain and robotics.

It calls for deeper integration of AI into manufacturing, from product research and design to production and marketing, while promoting smart products such as wearable devices, smart home appliances and robots. It also supports the development of smart products based on secure and reliable open-source operating systems.

The measures aim to strengthen Chinese consumer brands by encouraging independent innovation and higher-quality products. In agriculture, technology will help improve the quality and efficiency of specialty produce.

For China's time-honoured brands, the guideline encourages innovation while preserving their traditional heritage, helping them remain relevant to modern consumers.