A conference to discuss the creation of innovation-oriented enterprises and an innovation-friendly social environment was held in Beijing on Monday.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg called for stronger protection of intellectual property rights and greater "freedom to pursue and express new ideas" in his principles to "make up a successful national strategy on innovation".

"Innovation takes root in societies that allow their people the freedom to pursue and express new ideas," Bloomberg told 250 delegates from China and the United States at the conference.

It was jointly organized by China's Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Commerce, and the U.S. departments of commerce and state.

Chinese Vice Minister of Science and Technology Li Xueyong said that strengthening innovative capability to build an innovation-oriented country was China's "strategic choice" after considering the national conditions and the nation's future.

"It's an important duty for China to create an innovation-friendly environment and market economy competition," Li said, noting that China and the U.S. could complement each other in the field.

China would actively cooperate with the U.S. and other countries, following the principles of "equality and mutual benefit, achievement sharing, protecting intellectual property rights and showing respect for international practice", Li told the conference.

(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2007)