Premier Li Keqiang publicly emphasized the importance of blockchain technology for the first time at the 2017 Big Data Expo

On May 26, the 2017 China International Big Data Industry Expo, co-hosted by the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Cyberspace Administration of China, and the People's Government of Guizhou Province, with the theme of "Digital Economy Leading New Growth", opened grandly in Guiyang. Li Keqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, sent a congratulatory letter and mentioned blockchain technology for the first time in a public speech. In addition, Premier Li said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of the digital economy.

The following is the full text of Premier Li Keqiang's congratulatory letter:

On the occasion of the opening of the 2017 China International Big Data Industry Expo, on behalf of the Chinese government, I would like to express my warm congratulations on the holding of the Expo and extend my sincere welcome to all the delegates attending the Expo.
At present, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is sweeping the world. New technologies such as big data, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and blockchain are constantly emerging. The digital economy is profoundly changing human production and lifestyles, and its role as a new driving force for economic growth is becoming increasingly prominent. Guizhou Province has actively followed this development trend, boldly explored, and tried first, and has achieved positive results. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of the digital economy, insists on deepening the innovation-driven development strategy, relies on reforms such as streamlining administration and delegating power, combining regulation and supervision, and optimizing services, and strives to stimulate social creativity and market vitality, combining mass entrepreneurship and innovation with the strategy of building a strong network country, the national big data strategy, the Internet + Action Plan, and Made in China 2025, etc., to accelerate the successive transformation of new and old driving forces, and promote the transformation and upgrading of the economic structure and the continuous progress of society. China is willing to work with all countries in the world to focus on the forefront, focus on win-win, promote innovative cooperation in the digital economy, share development opportunities, and create a smarter and better future for human society.

I wish the Big Data Expo a great success. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, May 26, 2017.

In December last year, the "13th Five-Year National Informatization Plan" was signed and approved by Premier Li Keqiang and issued by the State Council. It mentioned that by 2020, the construction of "Digital China" will achieve remarkable results and its informatization capabilities will be among the best in the world. Blockchain technology was included in the "National Informatization Plan" for the first time.