Changzhou aims to build itself into an innovative city by 2015, said Zhang Yue, Director of the Science and Technology Department of Changzhou, during a group interview with online reporters participating in Jiangsu Web Tour on May 31, 2006.

Zhang Yue, Director of the Science and Technology Department of Changzhou, answers a question during a group interview with online reporters embarking on the south route of Jiangsu Web Tour as they arrived in Changshou on May 31.

Independent innovation has always been highlighted as an essential element in promoting scientific development and the city's comprehensive power since the 10th five-year period, Zhang said in her report.

She said, over the past five years, the city has seen remarkable progress in high-tech industries, scientific programs, and transformation of scientific achievement, with a R&D investment of 4.1 billion yuan ($US500 million), recording an annual increase of 24%.

The city reaped in 463 scientific and technological prizes of national, provincial and municipal levels during the 10th five-year period, and filed 8402 patent applications, among which 4792 were authorized, Zhang told the reporters.

The city's high-tech investment is concentrated on railway transportation, digital video, medicine and so on.

Online reporters listen to Zhang Yue's report during a group interview with online reporters embarking on the south route of Jiangsu Web Tour as they arrived in Changshou on May 31.

After a one-day visit in the city, the reporting group will head for the next station -- Wuxi.