China supporting 5G development well: expert

Fifth-generation wireless technology is to play a bigger role in boosting the global digital economy, said Sihan Bo Chen, GSMA China head, at the China Development Forum Special Session in Beijing on Friday.

"Backed by 5G, China's mobile ecosystem contributed 5.2 trillion yuan ($730 billion) in value to the country's economy last year," said Chen, estimating 5G will contribute $2.2 trillion to the global economy over the next 15 years.

Chen said that 5G can not only be applied in various industries, but can also combine with cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and edge computing.

"Governments around the world should give more policy support to 5G, including investment in network construction, and China has done very well in this aspect," Chen said.

Regarded as a leader in 5G, China is forecast to invest $184 billion in 5G by 2025, GSMA said in an earlier report.

The GSMA represents mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators with nearly 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organizations in adjacent industry sectors.