China to launch mid-term innovation plan

By Liu Baijia and Wang Bo (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-07-04 11:10

China will launch its mid-term scientific innovation plan within the year and multinationals are welcome to participate in the plan in the areas of water pollution control, drug innovation and wireless broadband internet technology, Zhang Xiaoqiang, vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic planner, said on Saturday.

"The country will provide an open, fair, and transparent platform for multinationals to join in relevant biddings," Zhang said during the two-day Global Think Tank Summit in Beijing, reaffirming China's stance of welcoming overseas companies to participate in the country's economic stimulus package in a fair manner.

The remarks came after Premier Wen Jiabao made a commitment to combat trade and investment protectionism during an earlier telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the Swiss drug giant, said it was in talks with the Ministry of Science and Technology to seek opportunities for participation in the plan.

The first Global Think Tank Summit will be held in Beijing from July 2-4, where close to 100 top-notch think tanks from home and abroad will be represented, including the Brookings Institution.
Main Forum
International Financial and Economic Crisis and Global Economic Outlook
Sub-Forums
I:  Promoting Trade Liberalization and Investment Facilitation
II: Sustainable Development and Macro-economic Policies
III: Cooperation and Responsibilities of Multinationals during the Financial and Economic Crisis
IV: Global Consumption, Savings and Financial Security
V:  Idea Exchange with Global Think Tanks on Key Economic Issues
Agenda
Afternoon of July 2 - Opening Ceremony
July 3 - Main Forum
July 4 - Parallel Sub-Forums
 
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