Li Peng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remark Sunday at a group meeting attended by members of the Ninth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from scientific and technological circles, who are in Beijing attending the on-going CPPCC National Committee session.

Li, who is also chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said that the Party and the government attach great importance to basic research. Without basic research, there would be no strength for scientific, technological development and no basis to own independent intellectual property rights, Li said.

He said active efforts are needed to create favorable conditions for scientists to conduct basic research.

Li also stressed the need to promote industrialization through the development of information technology.

He said, "We should be fully prepared to seize opportunities and brave challenges brought about by China's accession to the World Trade Organization and economic globalization, and make best use of various favorable conditions, absorb world's advanced scientific, technological and managerial experience, to boost national economic development."

(People's Daily 03/05/2001)