Xi highlights training of engineers
Nation's top honor in field conferred for first time at Beijing awards ceremony
President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for China to step up the independent training of engineering talent and keep elevating the social status of engineers, as part of broader efforts to develop new productive forces and ensure a high level of self-reliance in science and technology.
The instructions from Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, were delivered during the National Engineer Awards ceremony in Beijing on Friday.
It was the first time for China to confer such awards, the nation's highest honor in the field of engineering.
In the instructions, Xi said engineers are a key force driving technological advancements for the benefit of humanity and shaping the future, adding that they are a crucial part of the national strategic talent pool.
The president stressed the importance of creating conditions for the success of engineers and fostering an atmosphere enabling them to improve themselves, work hard, overcome challenges and forge ahead with innovation.
The nation must expedite efforts to develop a large team of high-caliber engineers, he added.
He encouraged China's engineers to boldly work toward breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, develop high-quality engineering projects and serve the nation's high-quality growth.
At Friday's awards ceremony, 81 individuals were conferred the title of National Outstanding Engineer, and 50 teams were awarded the title of National Outstanding Engineering Team.
