国内英语新闻：Chinese premier calls for sciences, technology to serve social, economic development

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called on the country's top scientists to make more contributions to the social and economic development with more science and technology achievements.

Wen made the remark while attending a meeting Tuesday for both the 14th Congress of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Ninth Congress of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivers a speech at the conference of the 14th Congress of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the 9th Congress of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) in Beijing, capital of China, June 24, 2008.

    He highlighted the importance of science and technology for the reconstruction in quake-ravaged areas when he reported the latest situation of the relief work to the attending scientists.

    Scientists and experts specializing in various of disciplines and fields of research should work closely and provide more scientific evidence and consultations to decision-making, Wen said.

    He said after China experienced major disasters and incidents this year the social and economic development had been better than predicted due to Party and government endeavors.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) poses for a photo with his teacher Yang Zunyi, academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, after the conference of the 14th Congress of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the 9th Congress of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) in Beijing, capital of China, June 24, 2008.

However, he admitted there were still problems in the current economic situation that would challenge the economy's long-term, steady growth, adding the general level of the country's science and technology had not met the needs of the social and economic development.

    Wen outlined science and technology research should make more achievements to reduce more energy consumption, safeguard agricultural production, prevent serious diseases and deal with climate change and disasters.

    He hoped senior scientists and experts could cultivate and guide more young talents and provide more advice to the government's work.