The seventh national conference of the near four-million-member China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) opened in Beijing on Tuesday with the presence of the country's top leaders including Hu Jintao, Wen Jiabao and Zeng Qinghong.

Over 1,200 delegates attended the opening ceremony held in the Great Hall of the People Tuesday morning.

They are expected to review the work report submitted by the sixth national committee of the association, appraise the draft revision of the CAST constitution and discuss the development of an innovation intensive economy in China.

When addressing the conference Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong spoke highly of the CAST and the country's scientific and technological workers for their contribution in China's reform and development. 

"You have been playing an important role in combining science and technology with the country's economic development and promoting sci-tech knowledge in the nation," he said.

He urged scientists and technologists to continue to generate more innovative work.

Conference delegates are from various fields of research, national defense institutes, enterprises and the agriculture industry. Popular scientists who are devoted to improving scientific awareness among Chinese people are also in attendance. .

Established in 1958 the CAST is made up of 164 nationwide societies and boats a membership of 3.89 million members.

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2006)