President Hu Jintao said Friday that China must rely on scientific and technological innovation, education and talents to seize the initiative in the increasingly intense international competition.

Hu made the remarks while joining in a panel discussion with political advisors from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party and the Jiu San Society at the ongoing annual full session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body.

Hu said China must greatly enhance the capabilities for scientific and technological innovation, especially independent innovation, and speed up the transformation of technological achievements into actual productive forces.

He said China needs to greatly improve the quality of education and create a favorable environment for fostering talents in various industries.

During the discussion, Hu also stressed the importance of developing public health and urged relevant authorities to solve major problems in this regard -- the difficulties and high costs to access medical service.

On grain production, Hu said China needs to fully arouse the enthusiasm of farmers for growing grain by offering more favorable polices to those major grain-producing regions.

In addition, Hu called for the building of a resource-saving and environment-friendly society in a bid to accelerate the transformation of economic development mode.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, also joined in the discussion.