China will launch its mid-term scientific innovation plan within the year and multinationals are welcome to participate in the plan in the areas of water pollution control, drug innovation and wireless broadband internet technology, Zhang Xiaoqiang, vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic planner, said on Saturday.

"The country will provide an open, fair, and transparent platform for multinationals to join in relevant biddings," Zhang said during the two-day Global Think Tank Summit in Beijing, reaffirming China's stance of welcoming overseas companies to participate in the country's economic stimulus package in a fair manner.

The remarks came after Premier Wen Jiabao made a commitment to combat trade and investment protectionism during an earlier telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the Swiss drug giant, said it was in talks with the Ministry of Science and Technology to seek opportunities for participation in the plan.

(chinadaily.com.cn July 4, 2009)