Chinese premier encourages sci-tech breakthroughs

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang shakes hands with Sun Jiadong, representative of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) members, at a symposium on science and technology strategy in Beijing, China, July 27, 2015. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, July 28 -- Premier Li Keqiang has called for Chinese breakthroughs in key technology, and for more people to start sci-tech businesses to transform their talent into productivity.

Speaking at a national symposium on science and technology Monday, Li said China should continue to cut red tape to help meet these goals.

"Obstacles that hold back startups and innovation should be removed, and sci-tech administration should be improved to create better conditions for personnel to devote themselves to research," he said.

Stressing the country's "Internet Plus" campaign for better digital infrastructure, the premier encouraged enterprises and individuals to pool funds and wisdom to this end.

Li said China must create a fair and open environment for sci-tech businesses.

"We should respect talented people, and guarantee the rights and interests of business startups and innovators," he said.

The premier also called for greater efforts to encourage innovation in science and technology, saying that innovation is the "golden key" for China's development.

Efforts to promote scientific and technological development are vital for China to gain an edge in the global scientific and technological revolution and deal with environmental and resource constraints as the country enters a key stage for upgrading and development, Li said.

The premier stressed that science and technology should be regarded as a primary productive force, calling for closer integration of science, technology and the economy to maintain momentum for medium-high speed economic growth.

Monday's symposium also marked the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Academic Divisions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), one of China's top scientific think tanks.

Li expressed appreciation for the work of the CAS Academic Divisions and CAS members, calling on the scientists to be leaders in innovation and fostering younger talent.