File photo/Zhang Jian (NBD)

China should accelerate the opening up and technological and institutional innovation in state-level economic and technological development zones, according to a statement released Wednesday.

The country should give full play to the advantages of the development zones in fostering new sources of economic growth and promoting high-quality development, read the statement made public after a State Council executive meeting.

"We will support the zones in improving business environment and encourage them to take the lead in streamlining administrative approvals, delegating power to lower levels and improving regulation and services," the statement said.

To promote innovation, the country will support the building of national large-scale scientific experiment facilities and national bases for scientific and technological innovation, it said.

Scientific research institutes in the zones shall give cash rewards to the researchers for the income from their inventions.

The country will also promote the opening up and industrial upgrading in the development zones, the statement said.

At present, there are 219 state-level economic and technological development zones in China, contributing around 10 percent to the national gross domestic output and fiscal revenue.

Email: gaohan@nbd.com.cn