A new national strategic program on intellectual property was approved at an inter-ministerial conference held in early March.

A 2010 plan to facilitate the national intellectual property strategy was also decided at the meeting as well.

The program is designed to build an innovation-oriented country, advance economic restructuring and improve the country's core competitiveness, said Bi Jingquan, vice-secretary-general of the State Council.

The program aims to encourage creation and management of intellectual property, enhance its protection and promote it as a strategic resource, according to the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO).

SIPO commissioner Tian Lipu said various ministerial-level organizations will cooperate to ensure the implementation of the program.

(Source: China Daily)