China can become the world's leader in biotechnological applications in agriculture, medicine and industry over the next five to 10 years. This can be achieved with an investment of 100 billion yuan (US$12.3 billion).

Between 2001 and 2005, the country has plunged 12 billion yuan (US$1.5 billion) into biotechnology development and application, and now the sector boasts 600 billion yuan (US$74 billion) in terms of both its total investment and fixed assets. The figure, although 10 times as much as a decade ago, must be at least doubled in the next five years to maintain the current high momentum.

Breakthroughs are expected in the fields of life research, environment and energy. China has amazed the world with several outstanding achievements in genetic therapy, vaccination and food fermentation. Some of its well-funded projects, such as therapeutic vaccines against AIDS and hepatitis B and transgenic plants, are expected to yield results.