The Minister of Science and Technology said that Zhongguancun Science Park currently contributes 24.7 percent to Beijing's GDP, at a press conference for the fifth session of the 12th National People's Congress.

High-tech parks play a pioneering role in technological and industrial innovation, said Wan at the conference.

Approved by the State Council in May 1988, Zhongguancun Science Park was the first high-tech park established in China and has since become a science and technology innovation center with global influence.

Zhongguancun will further open to the world and serve Beijing as it develops into a global city. Plans for the park include the building of an international science and technology innovation center within the decade.

Wan Gang, minister of science and technology, answers questions at a press conference for the fifth session of the 12th National People's Congress. [Photo/news.china.com]