China’s commerce ministry and eight other departments call for deeper AI-manufacturing integration

China’s Ministry of Commerce and eight other government departments on Oct. 19 issued an opinion on accelerating technology-driven commercial development, laying out a set of measures aimed at upgrading the supply of goods. The document calls for the deeper implementation of a dedicated "AI + manufacturing" initiative and says artificial intelligence should be integrated more closely with product research and development, design, manufacturing, and marketing. It also says authorities will encourage the development and application of smart products built on secure and reliable open-source operating systems. Beyond AI-related measures, the opinion mentions accelerating the transformation and upgrading of traditional classic industries, developing premium signature products, building a lineup of Chinese consumer brands, advancing technology-driven agriculture, improving the quality and efficiency of specialty agricultural products, and supporting time-honored brands in using modern production technologies for product innovation.