Taipei, Nov. 1 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian on Friday stressed the importance of improving the country's scientific and technological levels to ensure its leading position in economic development.
Chen made the remarks while speaking at a meeting of the Science and Technology Consultation Council under the Presidential Office.
He expressed thanks to Vice President Annette Lu, who serves as head of the consultation council, and members of the council for their outstanding contributions to scientific and technological development over the past year.
The president encouraged members of the council to continue their efforts, saying that outstanding personnel in science and technology and solid high-tech manufacturing ability together with the so-called "renovation system" constitute an advantageous foundation for Taiwan's economic development.
He noted that suggestions made by the consultation council have been listed as important references for national scientific and technological development.
Chen said that the focus of the council will be on science-based important social and livelihood subjects and on farsighted development of science and technology. The council has also been reorganized into six groups from the previous 12 groups.
The six groups are basic science and advanced science and technology, energy ecology and sustainable development, national defense science and technology, industrial science and technology, science and technology laws, and international cooperation in science and technology.