Minister of Science and Technology Xu Guanhua said on April 24 that China will focus
on eight major areas for scientific innovation and technical upgrading in the coming five years.

Xu made the remarks at a press conference held by the Information Office under the State Council.

The National Key Technologies Research and Development Program, which was adopted by China in 1982 for improving key technologies, will support the application and
commercialization of key technologies and the upgrading of imported technologies.

The eight areas of focus include:

¡¡¡¡--Strategic high-tech research featuring information technology in fields such as information, bio-engineering, advanced agriculture, new materials, advanced manufacturing and automation, natural resources, and energy use.

¡¡¡¡--Agricultural technologies featuring farm produce processing, water-saving farming, cultivation of high quality new strains, environment-friendly farming and agricultural facilities.

¡¡¡¡--Upgrading traditional industries through informatization. The state plans to highly develop the advanced manufacturing industry, as well as the energy, materials, transportation and textile sectors.

¡¡¡¡--Nationwide sustained enhancement featuring concerted development of population, resources and the natural environment. The state will focus on environmental protection technologies, modern pharmaceutical manufacturing
and those benefiting social interest.

¡¡¡¡The other four key issues are basic scientific research, improvement of scientific levels in the western region, personnel training bases, and structural reform inside research bodies.