China plans to greatly boost its scientific and technological levels and make science and technology "spearhead future economic and social development," according to a draft program.
  
The draft of the national program on long and medium-term development of science and technology, discussed at Wednesday's executive meeting of the State Council, also underscores advancing independent innovation and seeking breakthroughs in key sectors.
 
"China should seek to realize breakthroughs and leapfrog development in key technologies that are related to the national economy and people's livelihood," says the draft, which sets forth guidelines, strategic goals and overall arrangements for China's scientific and technological development in the coming 15 years.
  
Scientific and technological progress is vital to solving some problems confronting China, including trade barriers targeting Chinese exports, environmental problems and tense energy supplies.
  
Chinese leaders have repeatedly underscored the need to increase exports of new and hi-tech products, products of independent intellectual property rights and brands and high value-added products to improve its export growth mode. There's a more urgent need now that its textile products are facing trade barriers in some foreign countries.
  
The meeting, chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao, also discussed and approved in principle guidelines on promoting further opening-up of the old industrial base in northeast China.
  
According to the guidelines, further opening up to the outside world is an important component part of the strategy to invigorate northeast China and other old industrial bases. It is a major approach to achieve these goals.
  
The guidelines urged relevant departments to improve the quality and level of foreign investment, guiding it to key industrial sectors and technological upgrade of key companies.
  
According to the guidelines, northeast China should also promote the opening up of service trade, actively participate in regional economic and technological cooperation and beef up infrastructure construction.

(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2005)