Chinese President Hu Jintao has called on the nation's top scientists and engineers to press ahead with innovative development of science and technology to drive economic and social progress. He wants more research to improve the country's ability to forecast disasters and carry out effective relief.

They are the scientific engine of the nation's modernization drive.

The nation's most prestigious scientists and engineers have gathered for the biennial conference of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

And this special event is also joined by China's top leaders.

President Hu Jintao addressed the opening session on behalf of the Central government.

He reviewed the two Academies' crucial role in the opening-up and modernization drive, and their contribution to relief work after the Sichuan earthquake.

President Hu Jintao said, "Since China's reform and opening up began 30 years ago, China has been a leader among developing countries in the overall development of science and technology. In some fields it has reached top world-class levels. The development of science and technology has provided a solid foundation for China's economic growth, social progress, improved living standards and national security. This is due to support from the Party and the government, and the consistent efforts and hard work of all those who devote themselves to scientific and technological work. "

Hu Jintao said innovative development of science and technology is a top priority for the nation. He encouraged stronger innovation in major projects to master core technology and increase the ownership of intellectual property rights. This will help build up more enterprises with high value-added products.

The Chinese President said the development of science and technology should improve living standards benefit the general public. He urged reform to enable the fruits of science and technology to be more efficiently transferred into productive forces.

Hu Jintao said personnel are the key resource for development.

President Hu Jintao said, "The cultivation of outstanding personnel in science and technology is an urgent and strategic task. I hope members of the two academies will give more importance to cultivating talent, and play an active role in cultivating innovative talent in science and technology."

Hu Jintao hoped academy members would offer more advice to policy makers to help resolve problems in China's social and economic development. He urged the Party and the government to take this advice and push for a scientific and democratic policy-making process.

Hu Jintao noted the crucial task of improving the country's ability to monitor and deal with natural disasters. He urged scientists to work on theoretical studies of disasters and help create a complete system from monitoring to emergency relief. He pledged to include knowledge about disasters in educational programs, and expand international cooperation to combat natural disasters.

(CCTV.com)