The 22nd annual meeting of the China Association of Science and Technology (CAST) opened on Aug 14 in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province.

The event, focusing on reform, opening-up and innovation-driven development, consists of 30 activities centering on the challenges faced by the world's economic and social development.

In his opening speech, Wan Gang, president of the CAST, said that the new round of global scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating and China has entered a stage of high-quality development, and urgently needs the guidance and support of science and technology.

He expressed the hope that sci-tech workers will forge ahead through creation, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Liu Jiayi, Party secretary of Shandong, said that the meeting will help boost the province's technological innovation, results transition, platform establishment and talent recruitment.

Liu said that a batch of cooperation projects will be signed during the meeting to further the province's efforts in shifting old growth drivers to new ones.

In addition, forty academician projects have been signed, covering the fields of new-generation information technology, high-end equipment, new energy and new materials.

A series of activities are also scheduled in other cities in Shandong province, including Weihai, Tai'an, Weifang, Dezhou and Rizhao.

The 22nd annual meeting of the China Association of Science and Technology opens on Aug 14 in Qingdao. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Liu Jiayi, Party secretary of Shandong, delivers a speech. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Activities are held in several cities. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Forty academician projects are signed on Aug 13. [Photo/dzwww.com]