China's Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang said on Thursday that the medium- and long-term plan for scientific and technological development has been "progressing smoothly" since 2006.

A number of major projects, such as large planes, nuclear power and water pollution treatment and control, major new medicines and next-generation mobile communication, have been launched and the others are expected to start later this year, Wan said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual sessions of the national legislature and the top political advisory body.

He spoke highly of the amendment to the law for promoting scientific and technological advance, which was endorsed at the end of last year, and said it created a better environment for innovation.