Premier Li Keqiang has called for Chinese breakthroughs in key technology, and for more people to start sci-tech businesses to transform their talent into productivity.

Speaking at a national symposium on science and technology Monday, Li said China should continue to cut red tape to help meet these goals.

"Obstacles that hold back startups and innovation should be removed, and sci-tech administration should be improved to create better conditions for personnel to devote themselves to research," he said.

Stressing the country's "Internet Plus" campaign for better digital infrastructure, the premier encouraged enterprises and individuals to pool funds and wisdom to this end.

Li said China must create a fair and open environment for sci-tech businesses.

"We should respect talented people, and guarantee the rights and interests of business startups and innovators," he said.