The 20th Conference on International Exchange of Professionals was held on May 26 in south China's Shenzhen. （PHOTO: VCG）

By Staff Reporters

The Chinese government is striving to improve the level of global technological innovation and openness, and actively contribute Chinese wisdom to coping with global challenges. That's the message from Wang Zhigang, minister of science and technology, made during his speech at the opening ceremony of the 20th Conference on International Exchange of Professionals (CIEP), which launched on May 26 in south China's Shenzhen.

Co-organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs) and Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, CIEP used the theme of "Accelerating the construction of talent centers and innovation hubs of global importance," at this year's conference, where it hosted organizations, institutions, companies and talent from around the world.

At present, China has established sci-tech cooperation with more than 160 countries and regions around the world, and participated in more than 200 international organizations and multilateral mechanisms, said Wang.

He added that the country has been actively participating in a series of international major scientific programs and projects such as ITER, GEO, SKA, and striving to promote international exchanges and cooperation in the fields of health, climate change, clean energy, artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and modern agriculture, contributing more Chinese technological solutions to solving global challenges.

China welcomes scientists and entrepreneurs across the globe to share opportunities of the country's open policy on innovation, and make more sci -tech contributions to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Wang.

Li Meng, vice minister of Science and Technology and administrator of State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony. He said that relying on China's super-large market and industrial chain, the conference has provided a stage both for sci-tech innovation cooperation and talent exchange.

"Today, the conference has become an expo and trade fair for international sci-tech innovation achievements and international talent exchanges, an important platform and a well-known brand for global innovative talent to gather," said Li.

Founded in 2001, this year marks the 20th anniversary of CIEP. Official data shows that research institutes, enterprises and consulting services from more than 40 countries and regions attend the conference every year, with more than 10,000 collaborative and exchange projects being implemented since it was launched.

According to the organizers, a wide range of functional services including Shenzhen Forum, virtual exhibition hall, project cooperation, cloud recruitment of foreign talent, and other theme activities will be held on line from May to November.