The Chinese government on Wednesday stressed the importance for the country to step up efforts to develop emerging industries of strategic importance.

The statement was issued following an executive meeting of China's State Council, or the cabinet, which was chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday.

The meeting pinpointed the industries of energy saving and environmental protection, new generation of information technology, biology, high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy, new material and new energy vehicles, as priorities.

Relevant enterprises should strengthen research on advanced and core technologies concerning the industries and make efforts to promote the application of key science and technological achievements, according to the statement.

The central government will pilot the development of these industries by building industrial standards and creating a sound market environment, the statement said.

China will also support main products from the industries in entering the international market, it said.

The government promised to introduce preferential measures on finance and taxation, set up special funds and invite social investment to prop up the development of the industries, said the statement.

The statement said a development plan and catalogue of guidance on developing the industries will be formulated in a bid to optimize regional distribution and facilitate coordinated development.

It is of decisive importance for the future of China to develop emerging industries of strategic importance and capture the economic, scientific and technological high ground, Premier Wen said on March 5 in his government work report.