China's sci-tech association should strengthen its role by contributing more in building an innovation-driven nation, according to a senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official on Wednesday.

Li Yuanchao, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the comment at the third plenary meeting of the eighth national committee of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST).

Li spoke highly of the achievements made by the association during the past year and urged the non-governmental organizations to boost breakthroughs in key technologies in the process of upgrading industries.

Li stressed that the association should be enthusiastic about recommending and nurturing technological talent, especially young people.

Wednesday's meeting was presided over by Han Qide, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress, and chairman of the national committee of the CAST.