China will continue to promote high-tech cooperation between domestic and foreign companies and protect intellectual property rights (IPRs), said Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan Wednesday.

Zeng made the remarks while meeting participants of the Seventh China Hi-tech Fair.

"We should integrate advanced technology with absorption, digestion and innovation," Zeng said, adding that China will go on adhering to the state policy of "opening-up", which has been in effect for more than two decades.

Efforts should also be made to shift the growth model of foreign trade and use foreign investment to make the country's economy embark upon a new stage of development, Zeng said.

"China will spare no effort to protect IPRs so as to create a more favorable legal environment for sci-tech innovation," he said.

Zeng also gave a brief account of China's 11th "Five-Year Plan"and exchanged views with dignitaries from 16 countries, including the United States, Russia and France.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2005)