China will endeavor to quicken the pace of development of its information and communications sector, China's Minister for Industry and Information Technology Li Yizhong said Monday.

Li made the remarks at an event celebrating the 145th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) held at the Shanghai World Expo park.

The ITU Monday presented the World Telecommunication and Information Society Award to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak; Wang Jianzhou, Chairman and CEO of China Mobile; and Robert Kahn, President and CEO of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives.

The laureates were recognized for their contribution to the ongoing digital revolution and their dedication to promoting information and communication technologies as a means to a better life for humanity, the ITU said in a statement on its website.

A total of 189 countries and 57 international organizations are presenting their best at the six-month Shanghai World Expo under the theme of "Better City, Better Life."

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2010)