China is planning to put more administrative services online by the year 2020 as part of the government's "Internet Plus" scheme to boos transparency and efficiency, the State Council announced on Wednesday.

The State Council revealed its plan to expand its "Internet Plus" initiative to enhance government services, cut red tape, and lessen costs, China.org reported citing a statement by the State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

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"We are now living in an age of the Internet. Using Internet tools to facilitate public services is an important step in accelerating governance reform, since Internet is the fastest and most convenient way for the government to interact with and provide services for the public," Premier Li Keqiang, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese officials say this will bring out economic and social potentials particularly in the area of entrepreneurship and mass innovation, which are vital in China's structural reform.

For instance, administrative services like business registration and accreditation may be carried out online. The country would also enhance its digital identification system such as digital signatures to protect citizens' privacy and to prevent hacking or leaking of commercial secrets.

China's Internet Plus scheme will not only change government roles but also serve the public better through information and services. It will also facilitate cross-department and inter-region administrative services.

"The internet will not only provide people with more accessible public services but will also help the government improve its administration," he said.

Although the government's internet facility needs more improvements, the State Council is encouraging all its departments to share updated official data with the local government's online platform and treat Internet-based administration with importance.

The new guideline was based on a field study of eight provinces particularly in the administrative, agricultural, and tax departments, Xinhua reported.  It aims to establish an open and integrated internet platform that would connect central and regional governments next year and implement the "Internet Plus Government Service System" by 2020.

TagsInternet Plus, china, administrative services, Premier Li Keqiang, government services