International polar scientific expeditions play a role in the sustainable development of the world, Chinese vice premier Zeng Peiyan said in Beijing on Thursday.

Zeng said at the opening ceremony of the China Program of International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008, that taking part in IPY activities helps deepen polar region frontier research, train talent and educate the public.

"The Chinese government will take the opportunity to work with other countries and international organizations on polar scientific expeditions," Zeng noted.

This is the fourth IPY but it is the first time that China has taken part.

Source: Xinhua