Science to spark economy, minister says

China will focus on using science and innovation to boost the national economy and improve people's livelihoods in 2018, a senior official said on Tuesday.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, and is a crucial year for reaching the goal of building a moderately prosperous society by 2020, said Wan Gang, minister of science and technology.

"China will strengthen its scientific research and innovation capabilities this year and turn research into products to help boost the economy," he said.