BEIJING - China is looking for ways to improve its manufacturing prowess and to improve the reputation of goods labelled "Made in China".

The State Council, China's Cabinet, will set up a top-level task force to put into practice a plan to raise standards to international levels.

The decision came a month after the release of the "Made in China 2025" plan, which aims to transform China from a manufacturing giant into a world manufacturing power.

A statement yesterday said the group will coordinate, deliberate and implement the plans, and will be led by vice-premier Ma Kai.

The group will be based in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the statement added.

The plan lays out strategies for China's industries to upgrade from low-end manufacturing to more value-added and tech-intensive production.

It would encourage domestic manufacturers to achieve technological breakthroughs across a number of emerging industries, from numerical control tools and robotics to aerospace equipment and new energy vehicles.

Nine tasks have been identified as priorities: improving manufacturing innovation, integrating technology and industry, strengthening the industrial base, fostering Chinese brands, enforcing green manufacturing, promoting breakthroughs in 10 key sectors, advancing restructuring of the manufacturing sector, promoting service-oriented manufacturing and manufacturing-related service industries, and internationalising manufacturing.

XINHUA