Shenzhen TV:
We have noticed that the new FYP has dedicated a whole chapter to science and technology for the first time, emphasizing that technological self-reliance is the main pillar for China to develop its economy. What are the measures to be taken to realize technological self-reliance? Thank you.
Guo Wei:
The fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee pointed out that we should make innovation the core of our modernization campaign, make scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement a strategic support for national development, and accelerate the development of science and technology.
Improving our technological and innovative ability is a systematic program and requires long-term work. This year's government work report underlines three aspects.
First, we need to strengthen national strategic science and technology forces, including the construction of national laboratories, make good use of existing national science and technology resources, optimize the allocation of science and technology forces, and strengthen core technology research and development.
Second, we should strengthen basic research, which is emphasized in this year's government work report. Basic research requires much time and down-to-earth work. Therefore, we should have the spirit of "the blacksmiths of the past who would spend years forging the perfect sword," and create conditions for scientists to continue their hard work. To enhance basic research, we have a series of policies, including expanding investment in basic research, and improving the assessment and incentive mechanisms of technological results.
Third, we will leverage market forces to encourage the enterprises to increase R&D investment. The government work report proposes an important policy, which is raising the extra tax deduction on manufacturing enterprises' R&D costs from 75% to 100%. That means enterprises can enjoy double deduction on R&D expenditure and are eligible for more income tax deductions. That is a great boost for enterprises to increase R&D spending.
Certainly, China's technological development must rely on international technological cooperation, which is what we have constantly upheld in the past. Looking forward, we will strengthen international cooperation on science and technology, and let technological development benefit the common well-being of humanity. Thank you.
