BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for global cooperation on life sciences to promote sustainable economic and social development in the world.

In a written message to World Life Sciences Conference, which kicked off in Beijing Tuesday, Li urged Chinese scientists and entrepreneurs to exchange with and learn from their foreign counterparts, to make breakthroughs and innovations in life sciences to deal with the challenges faced by humanity.

As China pursues an innovation-driven development strategy and strives to implement the "Healthy China 2030" plan, the country is vigorously pushing life sciences research and other related industries through technological innovations, said Li, adding that it plays an increasingly vital role in improving people's health and living standards as well as environmental protection.

The three-day conference, sponsored by the China Association for Science and Technology, focuses on health, agriculture and the environment. It invites a dozen of Nobel laureates as well as representatives of scientific, technological and industry circles from 36 countries and regions to participate in.