Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao urged meteorological departments in China to speed up modernization provide better service to society during a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the China Meteorological Bureau on December 8 in Beijing.

The economic and social developments in China calls for more accurate, prompt and active meteorological services, which have been a basic necessity related to the people's life, economic growth, national defense and social development, said Wen.

He suggested the meteorological services be improved through using advanced techniques, establishing a national weather forecast network, implementing a scientific management system and improving the quality of meteorological workers.

He said that relevant departments should take active measures to publicize and implement the Meteorology Law which will take effect on January 1 next year.