China attaches great significance to big data and will roll out measures to encourage IT-related entrepreneurship and innovation, according to a message from Premier Li Keqiang.

The premier left the message for the Big Data Expo, which opened from May 26 to 29 in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou province.

"Data can be seen as basic resources and an important productive force. Big data, combined with cloud computing and the Internet of Things, is changing ways of production and living rapidly and thoroughly," said Li in the message.

As the world's most populous country, China has accumulated an ocean of data from a huge amount of digital devices, said the premier, adding that the data could generate great value.

"China is mulling over an action plan to boost big data-based innovation in search of better solutions to government decision-making, transport, medical care and education," said Li.

The Big Data Expo is the first of its kind worldwide.