Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, Vice-Premiers Li Lanqing, Qian Qichen, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao and other leaders of the State Council attended a science lecture at Qinghua University in Beijing Tuesday to learn more about the development and application of bio-chip technology.

Prof. Cheng Jing, a noted biologist from the prestigious University, was the speaker.

The leaders noted after the event that many new technologies, including the bio-chip, have witnessed fast development in recent years and been playing an increasingly important role in China's scientific and economic development.

The country's departments concerned should map out comprehensive plans and support the new high technologies that have a promising future and huge market potential, the leaders said.

The state should also give them financial and policy incentives and encourage them to seek investment from the capital market, they noted.

Prof. Cheng has discovered two methods for quick extraction of plant and animal DNA, and developed many ways to examine gene mutation.

In his lecture, Cheng suggested that the country seize the opportunity, strengthen the research and study of bio-technologies and quicken the development of China's own bio-chip technology.

The lecture was sponsored by the General Office of the State Council.