NPC deputy proposes festival for engineers

Establishment of a festival to honor China's vast majority of engineers would help improve their social identity and boost the county's innovation and technological development, a deputy to the National People's Congress said.

"Engineers, who have played a significant role in development of innovation and technology, should become star models in the new era among young people," said the deputy, Li Jinbo, who is director of Midea Group's innovation research institute for household air conditioners.

China has more than 70 million engineers working in aerospace, the nuclear industry, energy, communication, manufacturing, construction, food, agriculture and other areas, Li said.

"Setting up such a festival would help the public learn more about their profession," he said in his suggestion ahead o the upcoming annual session of the NPC, China's top legislature, which will convene on Saturday.

The country has already established six festivals for professions, including reporters, teachers, nurses, doctors, police officers and farmers.

A senior engineer, Li has been engaged in the field of air conditioning technology for more than two decades and has applied for more than 400 patents.

"Development of more engineers is important for sustainable business growth," he said.

Midea Group, a Chinese home appliance giant, holds a science and technology festival each year to honor top engineers, Li said, adding that this has boosted investment in technology research and development and helps businesses to expand.

"Engineers play a big role in the process, from technological creativity to industrialization of their inventions," he said.