China stands ready to work with other countries to strengthen scientific and technological innovation and cooperation and promote international exchanges that are more open and inclusive for mutual benefits and shared growth, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory message delivered to the first conference of the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia, which opened in the Macao Special Administrative Region on Tuesday.

Xi said the world today has witnessed a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, which has brought about profound changes to human development. In the meanwhile, it has also provided a new pathway for addressing and responding to global development problems and challenges.

Noting the world is facing various challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, Xi said science and technology should benefit all humanity. China is willing to intensify cooperation with the international community on technological innovation to make contributions to global economic recovery and safeguarding people's health.

He urged participants to pool their wisdom, enhance consensus and promote cooperation in order to make science and technology deliver more benefits to people from all countries.

The conference, themed "Innovation Empowers Sustainable Development", was jointly organized by the Boao Forum for Asia and the Macao SAR Government.