Foreign research institutes are welcome to open research and development centers in China with Chinese counterparts while Chinese high-tech bodies will also be encouraged to establish research organs overseas, Zhu said.

She made the remarks at the Technological Innovation Seminar, which opened in Beijing Tuesday.

Since China is facing the opportunity of entering the World Trade Organization (WTO), technological innovation will be

launched in a more open environment in the 21st century, she said.

China will play an active role in the construction of global and regional scientific research and a high-technology industrialization cooperation network in the country.

China will also utilize international resources to advance scientific and technological innovation and international development, Zhu said, adding that the country will further support export of high-tech products and promote cooperation in fields of sustainable development.

China will encourage overseas research institutes and outstanding scientists to participate in various high-tech research and development projects and other basic research projects that are for civil use.

Meanwhile, a group of scientific and technological projects and scientific and research development centers will be open to foreign countries for the first time.

The three-day seminar, which is jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the United Nations University, is aiming to promote cooperation in technological innovation between China and developed countries and international organizations.

(Xinhua)