The Protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is a must in China's economic and social development and is greatly needed in the reform and opening-up process, said Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi in Beijing Monday.

China must improve the IPR system, adopt IPR rules, and raise the capacity of innovation, implementation and management of self-designed IPR in a bid to play a part in the economic globalization and international competition, she said at a seminar on IPR protection.

Acknowledging the achievements of IPR protection last year, Wu said governments at all levels should further carry on the work with stricter disciplines and legal force and wider publicity, support enterprises in the protection and enhance international cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2005)