A long-term plan is underway to boost public awareness of science and technology in China to levels similar to moderately developed countries by 2049, or People's Republic of China's 100 birthday.

The plan will push public awareness of science to a new high, Tuesday's People's Daily quoted an official with the China Association for Science and Technology as saying.

A trial program was conducted last year, with 179,000 lectures, 61,000 exhibitions and 400,000 activities in towns and cities around the country.

Another 150,000 personnel were dispatched to 50,000 villages to promote general knowledge of science and technology, and 42 million farmers participated in the program.

Zhang Yutai, an official with the association, said the key task in 2004 was to popularize the application of science and technology in daily life.

China boasts a volunteer team of 400,000 people and runs 169 projects with seven million yuan (US$843,000) funded by social sectors.

(Xinhua News Agency February 11, 2004)