Tech innovation contributes to Silk Road economic belt

Technology innovation and cooperation will contribute to the construction of a Silk Road economic belt, Chinese Science and Technology Minister Wan Gang said here on Friday.

The proposal of building a Silk Road economic belt by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who attended here the 13th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), received wide recognition and support from the bloc's members, Wan told reporters.

Technology innovation explains why it is called a "new" Silk Road, the minister said.

The new Silk Road will be based on the development of high technology and economic growth, he added.

With the SCO serving as a platform, the countries can make full use of their technological resources and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation in science and technology, so as to boost economic development and social progress of the members.

The technology cooperation agreement signed at the summit will open up a new prospect for multilateral technology cooperation, Wan said.