HANGZHOU -- An advanced-materials innovation center, jointly built by the Chinese and Portuguese government, was launched in China's prestigious Zhejiang University on Thursday.

The center will set up four research bases covering biomedical materials and devices, nanotechnology and materials, energy materials and eco materials, Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang said at the launching ceremony.

Universities, research institutions and enterprises from the two countries will participate in the innovation projects of the center, Wan said.

The center will be of great significance to the research and technology transfer on the advanced materials between the two countries, he said.