The Chinese government has created a state-owned enterprise set up to manage the country’s data resources to boost AI companies and the broader digital economy.

The National Data Group Co was launched on Tuesday in a ceremony attended by vice-premier Ding Xuexiang, who described the project as a “major strategic decision” made at the highest ranks of government.

National data coordination

Management of data at a national level would help the country “seize the initiative in AI development, accelerate the construction of a ‘digital China’, and build new national competitive advantages”, Ding said at the event, news agency Xinhua reported.

Ding called on relevant companies to collaborate on advancing the data industry while urging government departments and local authorities to ensure the necessary resources were available.

The company is to develop, integrate and operate national-level data resources and promote cross-industry and cross-regional data sharing, state broadcaster China Central Television reported, citing Zhang Xianghong, a member of the national data expert advisory committee.

The new company is based in Xiongan New Area, a development zone in northern Hebei province, near Beijing set up by president Xi Jinping to house state organisations relocated from the capital, while also developing new industries.