BEIJING — China will strengthen support for the development of cutting-edge technologies and new formats of industries showing great potential during the COVID-19 epidemic, and create a favorable environment for technological innovation, an official from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) said on April 3.

Qin Yong, director-general of the Department of High and New Technology of the MOST, said at a news conference that some new formats and new models of industries, especially those based on the internet, have played an important role during the epidemic prevention and control, breaking through the limitations of time and space, providing various services for society and showing great development potential.

Qin said the MOST will increase support for the development of cutting-edge technologies, focusing on advanced computing, core software, broadband communications, blockchain, optoelectronics, micro/nano electronics, artificial intelligence and new materials, among other fields.

The MOST will also strengthen guidance and support for new businesses and new models that have shown great potential in the epidemic prevention and control, focusing on new health industries, sci-tech services, smart cities, modern logistics and education services, Qin said.

The ministry will work with relevant departments to improve and issue a series of policies to create a favorable environment for technological innovation and entrepreneurship, Qin added.