Education Key to Nation's Future

Education Key to Nation's Future

China has achieved "substantial" progress in the reform and development of science and education, Vice-Premier Li Lanqing told senior legislators Thursday in Beijing.

The government has taken a series of measures to establish new science and education systems that can meet the needs of the socialist market economy and help integrate scientific research, teaching and production since 1995. That was when the government introduced the strategy of renovating the nation through science and technology and education, Li said.

Li made these remarks when he delivered a report on the progress of work on the development of science and education to the ongoing 17th Session of the Standing Committee of the Ninth National People's Congress.

The government has increased investment to back the reform of science and education, Li said.

Encouraging technological innovation, developing advanced technology and accelerating the evolution of research into products have topped the agenda of the science and technology reform programme, Li said.

The State Council has encouraged the growth of medium and small-sized enterprises using advanced technology by establishing a technology innovation fund for them and improving the advanced technology industrial development zones, he said.

The government has also stimulated technological innovation by enhancing co-operation between scientific research institutes and enterprises and improving the management and money distribution system among scientific researchers, he added.

The promotion of quality education that focuses on both IQ and emotional intelligence have been given top priority in the country's education reform package, according to Li.

The examination system has been changed by abolishing the entrance exam for junior high schools and enlarging college enrollment, Li said. (Chinadaily)