(Yicai Global) Feb. 28 -- Shares in Chinese firms focused on self-driving technologies have soared in afternoon trading today after the nation's transport minister said Beijing would set up national industry development guidelines for smarter and more connected automobiles.

Automated braking system manufacturers Zhejiang Vie Science & Technology [SHE:002590]  was  up by the 10 percent daily limit as of 2 :25p.m.

China's Ministry of Transport is pushing for legislation and standards in the emerging self-driving industry, Li Xiaopeng said at a news conference this morning. He hopes to coordinate carmakers and highway constructors to help them build key technologies that will aid development.

China is open to new technologies and through encouraging innovation and tolerating failure will ensure the safety of all involved and avert a monopoly, he said.

Other benefactors of the news included Huizhou Desay SV Automotive [SHE:002920], which provides electronics solutions and services for autonomous vehicles, was 3.70 percent higher, and Internet of Vehicles developer and smart parts maker Shenzhen Roadrover Technology [SHE:002813]  was up 6.86 percent,  Zhejiang Asia-Pacific Mechanical & Electronic [SHE:002284] was up 3.94 percent.