An official from the National Data Administration announced on Tuesday that China’s national platform for public data resource registration will begin its trial operation on March 1.

At a press conference, Chen Ronghui, deputy head of the administration, explained that the platform is designed not only as a management system for public data resources but also as a hub for information disclosure and resource discovery, accessible to the entire society.

Once the platform is launched, data providers would be able to share data and product information, while data seekers could use it to find the resources they need.

Users will also be able to post their data requirements, which will improve supply-demand matching and lower overall data usage costs.

It was also introduced that platforms from provinces including Zhejiang have been developed and will go live simultaneously with the national platform.

Other provincial platforms would be launched in phases based on their construction progress.

The National Data Administration is committed to establishing a clear, well-divided, and efficiently operated national public data resource registration system by the end of this year.