Premier Zhu Inspects Leading Research Institution

Chinese Premier Inspects Leading Research Institution

Premier Zhu Rongji said Monday that scientific and technological strength and professionals are the important indicators for the strength of country and crucial for the implementation of sustainable development.

Speaking during his tour of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the country's leading research organization, the premier said the fundamental gap between developed and developing countries rests squarely with the gap between their scientific, technological strength and professional resources.

Science and technology is not only the most advanced productive force but also determines the future of the economic development, said the premier.

It will provide a solid foundation for economic development to significantly raise the country's scientific and technological level and maintain a ready supply of professionals, he said.

He stressed the importance of basic research, saying that if China could not catch up with the advanced international level in the field,it would be difficult for the country to realize the its development goals.

He said CAS assumes a major task in undertaking basic research, which is also the foundation for China to become prosperous.

Premier Zhu urged CAS to fully understand its historic responsibility and continue its efforts in basic research.

The premier spoke highly of CAS's pilot project for encouraging innovation,launched in 1998 by the Chinese government to promote innovation around the country.

He said the State Council will continue to fully support the pilot project and hopes CAS will continue its endeavor to reach its goal.

Earlier today, accompanied by CAS President Lu Yongxiang, Zhu toured the Institute of Geology and Geophysics and the Institute of Remote Sensing Application under CAS and listened to their work reports on reform and promoting innovative projects.

At a discussion later at CAS, Zhu also listened to a report by Lu Yongxiang on the Academy's two-year pilot innovation project, as well as strategies and goals for the coming decade.

He also listened to work reports by the Shanghai Academy of Life Sciences under CAS, and by the Institute of Semiconductors on their research projects.

On the future work for CAS, the premier urged the Academy to create more opportunities to attract professionals, and to create an environment that will foster their creativity and bring into full play their skills for the future of the country.

The development of science and technology requires a great number of outstanding professionals and CAS should continue institutional reforms so that more young scientists will be able to make outstanding achievements, said the premier.

Zhu said great efforts should be made to attract outstanding professionals from overseas countries as well as from Hong Kong and Macao.

He went on to say that the performance of the Chinese athletes at the Sydney Olympic was exciting, adding that it will inspire all the Chinese people including scientists to do an excellent job in their work units.

Zhu also urged CAS to integrate research and industrial development to promote production and create economic benefits, which will in return support all kinds of research.

As the largest state-funded research body, CAS employs about 36,000 researchers.