Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Thursday that China is open to the advice of overseas experts in the process of drafting a medium and long-term plan for the advancing of science and technology.

Wen said China adopts an open approach in drafting a plan that is oriented to the world and the future.

Wen made the remarks in a meeting with overseas experts attending a forum on science and technology development planning for the coming two decades in Beijing.

Wen said that in the new situation of rapidly advancing science and technology in the world, drafting the national plan requires a strategic study that focuses on the overall situation, strategic priorities and long-term prospects.

He said the forum has been designed to solicit the opinions and advice of Chinese and international experts who specialize in different areas. He called for the experts attending the meeting to continue to contribute their wisdom to the advancing of science and technology in China.

Noting that scientific and technological advances have become a powerful driving force of China's social and economic development, Wen said the country must pursue a route of new industrialization in its effort to build a well-off society. To this end, China is drafting a long-term plan of scientific and technological development so as to enhance the nation's innovative capacity and competitiveness.

Among the attendees of the meeting are State Councilor Chen Zhili, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Xu Kuangdi and Minister of Science and Technology Xu Guanhua.

(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2003)