China has launched a new state-owned enterprise called National Data Group, marking another major step in the country’s push to strengthen its digital economy and build a more coordinated national data system.
The new company is headquartered in Xiong’an, Hebei province, a city that has become closely associated with China’s long-term plans for innovation, smart infrastructure, and modern urban development. Its establishment highlights the growing importance of data as a strategic resource for economic planning, technology development, and public services.
The inauguration of National Data Group took place on October 20 and was attended by Ding Xuexiang, vice-premier of China’s State Council. His presence at the launch signals the high-level importance Beijing is placing on data management, digital infrastructure, and state-backed technology initiatives.
National Data Group is expected to serve as a market-facing platform for China’s state-led data strategy. While the full scope of its operations has yet to be detailed, the company’s creation suggests a stronger focus on organizing, developing, and potentially commercializing data resources across key sectors.
China has been working to improve how data is collected, shared, secured, and used across government and industry. As artificial intelligence, cloud computing, smart cities, and digital finance continue to expand, the need for trusted data infrastructure has become increasingly important.
By placing the new enterprise in Xiong’an, China is also reinforcing the city’s role as a showcase for next-generation development. The area has been positioned as a hub for advanced planning, digital governance, and high-tech industries, making it a fitting base for a national data-focused company.
The launch of National Data Group reflects China’s broader ambition to turn data into a core driver of economic growth. As competition in digital technology intensifies globally, the move could help China build stronger coordination around data resources while supporting innovation in artificial intelligence, industrial digitalization, and public-sector technology.
With this new state-owned enterprise now officially established, China is signaling that data will remain central to its future development strategy.
