Lei Jun, founder and CEO of China's mobile company Xiaomi, said in his proposal for this year's National People's Congress on March 5 that he expects more support from the country on the development of the design industry.

China's design industry now faces a huge gap on the general level compared to advanced countries due to its weak industrial foundation and lack of high-end talents.

Lei Jun suggested the launch of a national design promotion institute. He said the long-term plan for the development and support of China's creative design industry should be included in the country's five-year plan.

Lei Jun, founder and CEO of China's mobile company Xiaomi, talks about his proposals to the media during the two sessions last year. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

He also said that building professional design parks providing preferential policies for settled companies in manufacturing-advanced cities will create a better exchange environment between the creative design industry and the manufacturing industry.

Lei Jun proposed relevant departments to strengthen the introduction of world-class design talents and establishment of a special fund. Colleges and universities could set up workshops for foreign design leaders and top talents to promote professional personnel training.

He called for the education in design awareness and setting up related courses in primary and secondary schools.

Lei Jun attended the 2017 National People's Congress. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Lei Jun also pointed out that some enterprises invest a great deal in design and do promote industrial upgrading. Relevant departments should reward and publicize these enterprises for their creative projects and products.

The First Session of the 13th National People's Congress convened on March 5 in Beijing, beginning a political high season that will continue to March 20.