China will build 10 innovation demonstration zones during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), according to a newly published development plan.

The State Council Information Office held a news conference on Wednesday, at which Xu Nanping, vice-minister of science and technology, gave a brief introduction to the Development Plan for China's Innovation Demonstration Zones in response to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The agenda was formed by all 193 members of the United Nations at a summit in September last year, with the goal of ending poverty and promoting shared economic prosperity, social development and environmental protection worldwide by 2030. President Xi Jinping attended the UN summit and adopted the agenda on behalf of China.

China released a national plan for the implementation of the agenda a year later.

"This new development plan on innovation demonstration zones is an embodiment of China's actions to honor its commitments," Xu said.

"Building innovation demonstration zones can stimulate the vitality of innovation in social development and environmental protection, as well as bring new momentum to economic growth and promote the coordinated development of the economy, society and environment," he said.

Xu used the example of straw utilization to illustrate the importance of innovation in both economic and social development.

"We have more than 800 million tons of straw at our disposal, which could either be new food resources or garbage, depending on the way we use it. That is where innovation demonstration zones can play an important role in connecting global innovation strengths and local governments to create systematic solutions," he said.

Qiu Xiaoqi, Chinese ambassador to Mexico, wrote in an article that China has taken the lead in sustainable development, from adopting the UN agenda to releasing an implementation plan, earlier this year. (China Daily)