The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) said today that a national plan will be implemented to improve the general public's science awareness by the middle of the 21st century.

Zhang Yutai, CAST's vice-president, said at an annual working conference today that the association has submitted to the State Council a working plan to increase Chinese citizens' level of scientific knowledge.

China has made remarkable achievements in the economy since the late 1970s. However, science has lagged behind economic growth, which has proved to be a major obstacle in China's further development.

Although the lifestyles and incomes of Chinese have improved, many are still superstitious. Improvement in public scientific awareness will have a great impact on China's social stability and development, said Zhang.

Chinese should also foster a scientific world outlook in dealing with various problems, he said.

Zhang added that CAST will promote the spreading of a scientific spirit among the Chinese populace and train more professionals in the 21st century. (Xinhua)