Wen Jiabao, Chinese Vice-Premier said in Beijing on January 24 that Science and technology will play an increasingly important role in restructuring the Chinese economy.

He said this at an annual working conference of the Chinese Association for Science and Technology, Wen told Chinese scientists that economic restructuring is of great importance in resolving lingering problems in China's economy society.

He called on Chinese scientists to make contributions in reforming China's traditional industries, improving high-tech industries and developing a knowledge-based economy.

Wen said that scientific and technological research should focus on upgrading key technologies in traditional industries by improving product quality and controlling pollution.

China will encourage enterprises to develop high technology by introducing sophisticated technologies from overseas and increase technological innovation. Information technology should be given priority in the future. China will also accelerate scientific farming to realize the modernization of agriculture, said Wen.

Wen also stressed that China should improve its infrastructure facilities such as communications, transport and energy in the western region.

Scientists should give advice on the best way to use resources, protect the environment and be engaged in poverty relief projects in western China, Wen added.