The eighth Congress of Shanxi Association for Science and Technology begins a session in Taiyuan on Feb 21. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

The eighth Congress of Shanxi Association for Science and Technology was held in Taiyuan on Feb 21. The event was held to both summarize previous achievements in the fields of science and technology and set goals for future development.

The congress approved the association's development plan for the 13th Five Year Plan (2016-2020) and elected Zhou Ran as chairman of the eighth committee for the association.

The important event was attended by more than 500 workers engaged in science and technology, including the staff of research institutes, grassroots scientific associations, and universities. Notably, the congress took time to praise workers who have excelled in the fields of science and technology.

In recent years, Shanxi Association for Science and Technology has been dedicated to fostering scientific innovation. In 2015, the association helped the Shanxi government reach a strategic agreement with China Association for Science and Technology.

Through providing training in the areas of innovation and patent technology, the association has helped local companies succeed. To date, there have been in excess of 140 innovation achievements, results that have accrued 120 million yuan ($17.45 million) in business revenue.