A national meeting was held in Beijing Monday to map out plans to implement the country's long-and medium-term program for scientific and technological development, part of a drive to enhance China's technological innovation capability.

The meeting, chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao, outlined eight tasks in implementing the Outline of the National Program for Long-and Medium-Term Scientific and Technological Development issued by the State Council in February.

First of all, redoubled efforts should be made to enhance the country's innovation capability in a bid to raise the competitiveness of key industries, according to a report of the meeting.

Meanwhile, the government should play a guiding role in coordinating work of different sectors. A responsibility system should be built to ensure the Outline to be implemented in a down-to-earth manner.

The meeting called for more attention to the role of experts in implementing the Outline and establishment of a mechanism for sustainable development of science and technology.

The country supports the combination of enterprises, research institutions and universities in the development of new research projects and encourages cooperation between domestic research bodies and their counterparts in other countries.

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2006)