China’s proposed National Data Bureau to become a powerful tool for Beijing to ratchet up development of digital economy, analysts say

China’s proposed National Data Bureau, a new agency to be formed as part of a sweeping overhaul of government institutions under the State Council, is expected to become a powerful tool for Beijing to promote development of the country’s digital economy, according to analysts.

The bureau, which will be under China’s top economic planning authority the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), will be responsible for “coordinating and promoting the construction of data infrastructure, coordinating the integration, sharing, development and utilisation of data resources” across China’s economy and society, according to the plan presented on Tuesday by State Council secretary general Xiao Jie to the National People’s Congress for deliberation.

That means the bureau will take over many responsibilities from the powerful Central Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission. It will also be responsible for regulating China’s digital economy and implementing a national big data strategy, including infrastructure, which has been under the NDRC.

The new bureau marks Beijing’s latest effort to shore up the country’s digital economy and increase the nation’s international competitiveness, following the NDRC’s presentation last October of an eight-pronged approach to bolstering the sector.