Innovation a solid foundation for competitiveness

Editor's note: Premier Li Keqiang delivered a speech at the National Science and Technology Awards Conference on Monday. Below is the full text:

Friends,

We are gathered today for the important occasion of the National Science and Technology Awards Conference to honor professionals in science and technology who have made outstanding contributions to advances in their own fields and to the modernization of China overall. Just now, General Secretary Xi Jinping and other Party and State leaders presented the Highest National Award of Science and Technology to academician Zhao Zhongxian and researcher Tu Youyou and conferred other awards to their winners. Here, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, I wish to extend warm congratulations to all the award-winners, and convey cordial greetings and high regards to all the science and technology professionals in China. My deep appreciation also goes to foreign experts who have participated in and supported the development of science and technology in China.