国内英语新闻:Chinese vice president stresses sci-tech innovation

XI'AN, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao has called on science and technology (S&T) workers to devote themselves to innovation and contribute their expertise to building China into an S&T power.

Li made the remarks on Saturday at the opening ceremony of the 18th annual meeting of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) in Xi'an, capital city of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The meeting, which will last until Monday, is being attended by about 2,400 S&T workers, as well as renowned scientists and scholars from home and abroad.

Li said the country's journey toward realizing the Chinese dream of the rejuvenation of the nation requires the strategic support and guidance of S&T innovation.

The vice president encouraged S&T workers to ensure that their own professional pursuits are in line with the requirements of the country's strategic development, and to go to the frontline of the upgrading of development mode, S&T startups and poverty alleviation.

Founded in 1958, CAST is a national organization of scientific, technological and engineering workers. It has member societies and local branches throughout the country.