Hu made the remarks while joining in a panel discussion with national legislators from eastern Jiangsu Province during the ongoing full session of the National People's Congress, the top legislature.
While reviewing the government work report, a dozen of NPC deputies from Jiangsu shared their views on how to improve the work concerning agriculture production, the protection of migrant workers' rights and interests, and social management.
Efforts should be made to improve the country's capability of independent innovation and to pursue a model of development propelled by scientific and technological progress, enhanced workforce skills and innovation in management, Hu said.
He said the country should make sure that modernization in agriculture keeps pace with rapid industrialization and urbanization.
The President also stressed the necessity to safeguard and improve people's well-being, and improve the level of social management in a scientific way.
Hu also paid tribute to the migrant workers for their contribution to the country's economic and social development.