Posted for David Cyranoski

Alternative energy, biotechnology, advanced materials and fuel-efficient vehicles will be promoted in China’s newly mapped 2011–15 development plan, according to a report published by the country’s state council on 18 October.

Output of these ‘new strategic industries’, which also include information technology, high-end manufacturing, and energy-saving and environmental protection, would account for 8% of gross domestic product by 2015 and 15% by 2020, the report promised; media reports suggest that the industries will be backed by 4 trillion renminbi ($600 billion). That would mirror the stimulus package used to buffer China from the global economic collapse two years ago.

The five-year plan was set at the nation’s annual meeting of the Communist Party’s Central Committee in Beijing. Full details will not be finalized until March 2011, at the National People’s Congress.