BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong on Tuesday called for more efforts to facilitate technological innovation in key fields and boost growth of strategic industries.

    Liu made the remarks at a meeting held to promote the country's major scientific and technological programs. The meeting lasted from Monday to Tuesday.

    Liu said major programs were of great importance to the country's long-term development and some of them had already played a positive role in tackling the global financial crisis and improving people's livelihoods.

    Liu stressed concerted efforts should be made to enhance the country's ability of independent innovation, while the programs were being carried out.

    Liu also called for efficiency in turning the achievements of these major programs into products of industries.