Sterling progress was made last year in fields ranging from industry to medical science, but the Ministry of Science and Technology isn't resting on its laurels. Instead, it is urging scientists to march full speed ahead toward new achievements.

The State's long-term scientific plan (2005 - 2020) includes theoretical and feasibility studies centering on rational urban planning for the future, according to information the ministry provided China Daily Thursday.

"Scientific urban planning should cover comprehensive aspects such as digital management of traffic, rational utilization of water and land resources, environmental protection, and residents' rational habitation needs . . . not simply the layout of buildings as before," said the ministry's Secretary-General Shi Dinghuan.

He said the ministry is drafting outlines of long-term scientific plans, and urban planning will be listed as an important research subject.

The ministry will also give priority to ensuring food security and increasing farmers' incomes.

Although no exact figures are available, the ministry will allocate special funds to help carry out the efforts, according to Du Zhanyuan, director of the ministry's Department for Development and Planning.

Officials have recently started new technological projects to help upgrade old industrial bases in northeast China, with the first group of programs covering such areas as traditional Chinese medicine, the information-technology-driven manufacturing, the dairy industry and animal husbandry.

(China Daily March 5, 2004)