and International Roundtable on Science and Technology Pol Icy held this year. These gatherings have not only provided excel lent opportunities for people from various countries to exchange expe­ riences, but also fostered closer co-operation among various Institutions In this field. PLANS Since 1983, according to plans of the State Council. the State Science and Technology Commission (SSTC), In conjunction wtth "the Sta-te Planning Commission (SPC) and. the S-tate Economic Commission <SEC), has been engaged In the del lberatlon and formula-tion of specific technical policies for ~he major Industrial and economic sectors. Participating In this effort are some 2.000 experts. By now, pol lcles have been formulated for agriculture, energy, material~ building construction and material, consumer goods, computer and Integrated circuit- urban and rural development, telecommunication, en~lronment, etc. With regard to science and technology planning, the Chinese government formual"ted In 1980 a science and technology priority project plan for the 6th five year plan (1980-1985). This plan Is characterized by Its close link with economic development with emphasis on the role of science and technology In socio-economic development, and on the key technological Issues In agriculture• energy, transporta-tion and comprehensive uti I lzatlon of natur~l resources. 38 priority projec-ts were lndentlfled at the national I eve I. Since·. 1983, SSTC, SPC and SEC have been engaged jointly In the formulation of a longer term science and technology develop­ ment plan to the year 2000. The part that deals with priority science and· technology programmes In the major sectors has now been comple-ted. 19 priority areas have been chosen1 agricul­ ture, energy, transportation and communication, Iron and steel• 35 non-ferrous metal, petro-chemical Industry, wood Industry, health and medical care, environmental protection, electronics, machine building, textile Industry, biotechnology, computers, computer software, optical fibre communication, new· material, nuclear 