Scientists at China's largest research institution applauded
the proposal made by the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the
economic and social plan for the coming five years.
In a discussion
on the proposal that was issued Wednesday, President of the
Chinese Academy (CAS) of Sciences Lu Yongxiang said CAS will
continue its structural and personnel reform to contribute
more to the country's economic and social development and
to national defense.
He said CAS will
continue its reform to create mechanisms suitable for knowledge
and to meet the demand of a globalizing market economy. CAS
currently employs 36,000 researchers.
The Fifth Plenary
of the CPC Central Committee passed suggestions last week
on the proposed plan on the national economy and social development
for 2001-2005, reiterating the need to expand scientific and
technological industries.
According to the
suggestions, innovation is the prerequisite for scientific
and technological progress and knowledge innovation, which
was described as the decisive factor in improving comprehensive
national strength.
Chosen by the Chinese
government in 1998 China's knowledge innovation, the academy
has selected 6,000 young and capable researchers from its
research staff for priority programs in a more flexible system
with better working and living conditions.
Tan Tieniu, director
of the Institute of Automation at CAS, said he was inspired
by the suggestions, which calls for more emphasis on science
and technology in economic and social development in the coming
years.
Liu Jiyuan, director
of the Institute of Geoscience and Resources at CAS, said
in regard to the rapid development forecast in the proposal,
that he and his colleagues should formulate strategic research
planning in the field of resources and the environment.
After two decades
of fast economic development, the government now has more
resources to fund basic research in the environment and resources,
he explained.
Efforts should
be made to explore ways to control desertification in western
and northern China and sandstorms in north China in the coming
years, said Liu.
According to the
proposal, China should double its GDP by 2010 on the basis
of the GDP for 2000. Priority should be given to resources
in such areas as information technology, biotechnology, new
material technology, advanced manufacturing technology and
space technology, said the proposal.
(People's Daily
10/20/2000)
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