China to Launch Major Scientific Program for Western DevelopmentThe Ministry of Science and Technology has decided to launch a major science promotion program for the national drive to develop the western region in the following five years.The ministry decided to provide strong scientific and technological support for sustainable economic and social development of the region by fostering a research team that can solve major regional technological problems. According to the ministry's five-year science promotion program (2001- 2005), China is to concentrate on industrialization of scientific discoveries and providing traditional industrial ventures with advanced technology. The ministry is also to strengthen the building of major basic research labs, major science programs and engineering centers. The five-year program is also to help speed up development of high and new technology industries and to offer more support to high-tech development zones in Xi'an, Chongqing, Lanzhou, Chengdu and other major cities in the western region. The ministry plans to promote scientific and technological cooperation between coastal areas and western areas as well as international scientific cooperation towards China's western provinces and autonomous regions. Advanced foreign technology, experts and capital are also welcomed for the scientific promotion program. The building of information networks, digital libraries and e-commerce is also part of the five-year program. The ministry has provided 278 million yuan (about US$21 million) for scientific promotion projects in western areas this year. |
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