China plans to invest 62.8 billion yuan (US$ 9.2 billion) in eleven national research programs in one year and a half to achieve breakthroughs in key technology development.

These programs cover areas such as advanced numerically controlled machine tools, new-generation broadband wireless mobile communications network, and high-end central processing units and software.

The programs also focused on the development of large oil and gas field, advanced nuclear power stations that use pressurized water reactor and high temperature gas-cooled reactor, technology for the treatment and control of water pollution, transgenic products, new drug development, and the treatment of major infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis.

Furthermore, it is expected a plan on stimulating the country's biological technology development in areas such as medicine, agriculture, energy, manufacturing and environmental protection.

Although no details of the plan were released, modern bio-industry enterprises, particularly those with strong research and development capabilities and international competitiveness, will be also supported.

Companies, universities and research institutes will be encouraged to develop technologies with their own intellectual property rights.

Research and Development in China