BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese central authorities have published a plan on reforming the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (AFROC) so that returned overseas Chinese and those still residing abroad could be better united for greater contribution to China's development.

The AFROC will set up more grassroots organizations, for example, in villages, communities, social organizations, universities and research institutes, according to the plan published by the general office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

The AFROC, established in 1956, will make better use of the Internet and other tools in contacting, guiding, and serving overseas Chinese and their organizations, the plan said, adding the AFROC's local branches are encouraged to establish closer contact with compatriots residing abroad.

In addition, AFROC congresses will become more representative, with a larger number of returned overseas Chinese and their relatives from primary-level units introduced into the national congress.

The reform places an emphasis on overseas Chinese who went abroad in recent years, promising support for those who pursue entrepreneurship or innovation.