Minister WAN Gang met with former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi in Beijing on  January 16，2011. WAN thanked Mr. Prodi for his important contribution to China-Italy cooperation, and briefed him on the current status of China’s national science and technology system. He also introduced China’s S&T progress, as well as the important role of high-tech parks and industries in China’s socio-economic development. The Minister expressed his hope to boost bilateral S&T cooperation by teaming up with Italy to build joint institutions such as a technology transfer center, a creative design center, and an e-government center.