China's National Science Week opened on Sunday with the theme of "building an innovation-oriented country."

Nearly 3,000 scientific activities will be carried out around the country.

"The whole of society should create an innovation-oriented country," said State Councilor Chen Zhili at the opening ceremony.

She said China should connect scientists with the general public to make sure scientific achievements serve social and economic development, which will benefit the people.

The National Science Week will promote the Guidelines for the National Long and Medium-term Science and Technology Development Plan, by showing the innovation capability of enterprises, drawing on the youth for scientific research, serving the country's overall goal in building the new countryside and publicizing public safety and emergency management.

The Beijing Municipal Government will host a park fiesta on promoting the Beijing Olympics as well as a healthy lifestyle. Shanghai is to exhibit its plan on increasing research and development skills.

The Tibet and Xinjiang autonomous regions will also organize exhibitions to improve public scientific awareness.

(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2006)