Chinese science workers should improve their ability to make self-reliant innovations and create new engines for growth and expand international cooperation.

Wan Gang, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks at a symposium celebrating this year's National Science and Technology Workers' Day in Beijing on May 30.

Wan, also president of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), said as the world is in the middle of a new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial reform, achieving self-sufficiency in sci-tech is the foundation for future development of China.

Innovation is the biggest engine for driving development, and sci-tech is a powerful tool for overcoming obstacles, he noted, adding that independent innovation capability is always the fundamental solution to problems.

Wan also called on the Chinese science community to deepen enterprises- universities-research institutes integration and encouraged science workers to do their part in developing the country into a scientific powerhouse.

At the meeting, a joint action initiative was announced by the CAST, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology and five other departments, calling for more support for young scientific and technological talents' all-round development.