China will invest 30 billion yuan (US$3.75 billion) in 147 key
science programs, such as developing maglev trains and wind power
stations or seawater desalination technologies.
7.35 billion yuan (US$918.75 million) has already been allocated
from the central budget and the remaining funds are expected to
come from companies, local governments and institutes, the Ministry
of Science and Technology (MST) announced on Friday, as it launched
the five-year project.
The Ministry drew particular attention to 50 high-profile
projects. They included 2-3 megawatt wind power stations,
magnetically levitated trains running at 500 km/hour and highly
efficient seawater desalination equipment.
The science programs cover about 11 fields such as energy,
environment, population, health care, public security and urban
planning.
"These programs will try to solve critical science and
technology problems that are hampering China's economic and social
development," said Wang Xiaofang, director of the MST Planning
Bureau.
He said the programs were designed to enhance China's
competitive capability in key industries and the independent
innovation capacity of Chinese companies.
(Xinhua News Agency February 10, 2007)