Vice-Premier Wu Bangguo, deputy head of the Leading Group for Information Work in the State Council, the Chinese government, presented the letters of appointment to the newly elected members.

The experts include members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, economists and law experts.

Wu hopes the foundation members will contribute their expertise to major issues relating to China's information industry and China's strategy to promote social and economic development through information technology.

He described the large-scale application of information technology in all aspects of the national economy and society as a strategic move which will help in the country's modernization and construction.

China believes a better use of information technology will help it catch up with the advanced countries and reach its modernization goals in an efficient and sustainable way.

(Xinhua News Agency February 9, 2002)