CHINA will introduce reforms to strengthen its industrial workforce as part of a national strategy to become a manufacturing powerhouse.

A reform program, released by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council yesterday, characterizes industrial workers as a pillar for creating social wealth and innovation, as well as building China into a world manufacturing power.

Reforms are needed to relax restrictions curbing the healthy development of the industrial workforce and to boost worker enthusiasm and innovation.

The program puts forward 25 reforms, including measures to sharpen worker skill and using the Internet to strengthen the industrial workforce.