China's top legislator has called for further innovation and
scientific development to assist the country's economic and social
progress.
Wu
Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National
People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks during an inspection tour
in east China's
Anhui Province between Monday and Wednesday.
"China has entered a historic period during which innovation and
a quality labour force are vital for economic and social
development," Wu said.
He stressed the significance of strengthening innovation,
increasing scientific input, encouraging patented inventions and
stepping up the effort to turn scientific research achievements
into productivity, in a bid to give science and technology a more
crucial role in stimulating economic and social progress.
He asked local authorities to study and improve financial,
taxation and government procurement policies to support
innovations.
During the inspection, Wu visited some high-tech companies,
scientific research institutions, colleges and universities, as
well as farmers' homes.
(Xinhua News Agency February 9, 2006)