Premier emphasizes building country's self-reliance in science and technology

Premier Li Qiang stressed on Thursday the importance of specialized, high-end and innovation-driven enterprises in securing China's high-quality economic growth, and urged them to play a greater role in stabilizing industrial and supply chains.

Li also encouraged them to stay focused on innovation and with their segment markets so as to contribute to building the country's self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

He made the remarks during a one-day fact-finding tour in Beijing, which took him to the premises of three specialized, high-end and innovation-driven enterprises.

When visiting Beijing Changmugu Medical Technology Co, Li was briefed about the industrial development of innovative medical devices such as those using artificial intelligence technologies and robotics for orthopedic surgeries.

It is hoped that the company will strengthen research and development in AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment technologies, thus enabling technologies to better benefit the public, he said.

At Beijing Tasson Technology Co, Li affirmed the company's continuous efforts in independent R&D over the years after he learned about the application of the company's products in areas such as manufacturing of major equipment and new energy vehicles.

The premier urged greater efforts from the company to apply its new products and technologies, so as to stimulate the development of related industries.

During his trip to Beijing U-precision Tech Co, Li emphasized the importance of independence and autonomy in developing some technologies and operations in key fields to ensure that the initiative for development remains firmly in their own hands.

Speaking at a symposium that followed, Li said that as China's economy is currently at a critical juncture where it is transitioning to high-quality development, efforts must be made to boost confidence in growth and to maintain firm resolve in transformation and upgrade.

The rapid development of specialized, high-end and innovation-driven enterprises fully demonstrates the strong resilience and vitality of China's economy, he said, noting that innovation serves as the soul of these enterprises.

He encouraged them to focus on their core businesses, persevere in the face of challenges, vigorously promote scientific and technological innovations, transform toward high-end, intelligent and green development, thus ascending to higher levels in the industrial chains.

He also required authorities to provide more targeted and effective policies as well as timely services to meet enterprises' needs of financial support, preferential taxation policies, intellectual property protection and others.