The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) held a press conference on May 22. Li Chao, Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office and NDRC spokesperson, stated that in the next phase, the NDRC will advance high-quality development in the embodied AI sector by focusing on key infrastructure construction, in line with the requirements of the "15th Five-Year Plan."
On one hand, the NDRC will accelerate the development of embodied AI training infrastructure to better support embodied data collection and the training of "big and small brain" models. This aims to enhance the general capabilities of embodied AI across various scenarios, enabling robots to not only compete in arenas but also "enter factories, malls, and households," thereby accelerating their integration into diverse industries.
On the other hand, the NDRC will expedite the establishment of application pilot bases for embodied AI, improve the software and hardware ecosystem, and strengthen coordination with training infrastructure to accelerate technological innovation for practical applications.
Li Chao also mentioned that the NDRC will fulfill its leading role by focusing on three key tasks. First, it will promptly release relevant plans and implementation plans to coordinate the construction of the "six networks," clarify investment priorities in each field, and break down annual targets and schedules. Second, it will intensify efforts to advance major projects, improve the dynamic promotion mechanism of "implementing, preparing, reserving, and planning" projects, emphasize both quality and efficiency, accelerate implementation, and generate more tangible work outcomes. Third, it will strengthen funding and resource support, coordinate the use of various government funds and new policy-based financial tools, stimulate private investment, enhance land and environmental assessment guarantees, and continuously unlock the investment potential of major infrastructure networks.
Li Chao noted that supporting technological transformation and equipment renewal loans is one of the key measures to promote the "two new" policies. In recent years, various departments have continuously optimized and improved relevant policy measures based on enterprise needs. For example, in terms of expansion, the quota for technological innovation and transformation relending this year has been increased from 500 billion yuan to 1.2 trillion yuan, with the scope extended to 14 fields, including electronic information, artificial intelligence, facility agriculture, and consumer commercial facilities. These are key areas with active equipment renewal, contributing to the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries or fostering new quality productive forces. Additionally, private small and medium-sized enterprises with higher R&D investment levels have been included in the support scope.
In terms of quality improvement, the interest rate for technological innovation and transformation relending this year has been reduced from 1.75% to 1.25%, and the fiscal subsidy standard for equipment renewal loans has been raised from 1 percentage point to 1.5 percentage points.
During the press conference, Li Chao also addressed other topics, including macroeconomic trends, energy supply and demand during the summer peak, summer grain production and acquisition, fertilizer supply, the construction of the "six networks," foreign investment policies, price trends, AI infrastructure and applications, embodied AI development, tax incentives for integrated circuits and software, and the progress of Chinese brands.
Regarding macroeconomic trends, Li Chao stated that despite fluctuations in some economic indicators in April, China's economy remains stable and continues to develop with new and improved momentum. Key features include the growth of emerging drivers, improved market efficiency, and resilient foreign trade.
On energy supply, Li Chao mentioned that the NDRC is fully prepared to ensure energy and power supply during the summer peak, with measures including accelerating power source construction, strengthening coal and hydropower reserves, promoting medium- and long-term contracts for electricity and coal, enhancing inter-provincial and inter-regional power coordination, and improving emergency plans.
Regarding summer grain production, Li Chao noted that the El Niño phenomenon is still in its early stages and is not expected to significantly impact summer grain output. The NDRC is coordinating efforts to ensure smooth acquisition, transportation, and storage, supporting market entities in increasing purchases, and leveraging policy-based storage to stabilize prices.
On the construction of the "six networks," Li Chao emphasized that these infrastructure networks serve as a "hard support" for modernization, driving investment and growth in the short term and supporting industrial development and public services in the long term. The NDRC will focus on planning, project advancement, and funding guarantees to promote their implementation.
Regarding foreign investment policies, Li Chao clarified that China has never required high-tech enterprises to refuse foreign investment. China remains committed to opening up and will continue to improve the business environment for foreign investors.
On price trends, Li Chao stated that the moderate rise in CPI and PPI in April reflects improved demand and market order. Looking ahead, China has a solid foundation for price stability, and prices are expected to remain within a reasonable range.
Regarding AI infrastructure and applications, Li Chao mentioned that the NDRC is advancing the "AI+" initiative, establishing application pilot bases, and promoting the opening of high-value application scenarios by state-owned enterprises. The NDRC is also strengthening safety governance through legislation and regulatory measures.
On embodied AI development, Li Chao highlighted the progress demonstrated at the Beijing Yizhuang Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, noting improvements in speed, flexibility, and autonomy. The NDRC will focus on training infrastructure and application pilot bases to further advance the field.
Regarding tax incentives for integrated circuits and software, Li Chao explained that the policy aims to support genuine high-tech enterprises, with consistent support orientation, scope, and intensity.
On the progress of Chinese brands, Li Chao noted significant improvements in brand value and competitiveness, driven by technological innovation, market expansion, and the integration of traditional cultural elements. The NDRC will continue to promote brand development through various activities and platforms.
The press conference concluded with Li Chao thanking the media for their attention.
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