BEIJING - China's scientists will continue to make breakthroughs in the area of transgenetic research, according to Vice Minister of Science and Technology Zhang Laiwu.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will speed up the construction of seed breeding centers in accordance with this endeavor, Zhang said at a Monday press conference.

Zhang called for efforts to help the seed industry break new ground and the construction of a commercial system for the industry, with enterprises as its mainstay.

"China has thousands of small seed companies, but none of them can provide seeds and relevant services that are good enough. The domestic seed market for corn and high-end vegetables is occupied by foreign competitors," Zhang said.

According to Zhang, the ministry invested 18.7 billion yuan ($2.97 billion) in agricultural science projects during the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010) period, more than triple the amount invested in the five preceding years.

The investment supported projects focusing on grain security, plant and animal breeding and the prevention and treatment of agricultural epidemics, Zhang said.

Zhang said the ministry will work with other governmental departments to promote agricultural innovation by increasing investment in agriculture-related science and technology programs, providing better technological services for the farming industry and enhancing telecommunication services for the agriculture industry and rural areas, as well as seeking international cooperation for agricultural projects.

In order to promote innovation in the agricultural industry, efforts should be made to combine it with other industries, Zhang said.