The company, the first nominee from China, works in the sustainability of food production and development. CK Life Sciences is listed on Hong Kong's Growth Enterprise Market, and has developed an "eco-fertilizer" that provides high yields and increases farm income but does not cause pollution.

Technology Pioneers are companies that are developing and applying the most innovative technologies in fields such as renewable energy and biotechnology.

The Technology Pioneers programme was established in 2000 to support the Forum's commitment to improving the state of the world. It identifies companies around the world whose new technology can be harnessed to enhance the way business and society operate.

President and CEO of CK Life Sciences H L Kam said that selection as a Technology Pioneer for 2004 reflects international recognition of the company's status as a world class technology company and its achievement in research and development.

"CK Life Sciences will continue its mission of enhancing the quality of human life through committing its resources to R&D for the development of innovative and scientifically breakthrough products to fulfil the needs of the world today," he said.

The World Economic Forum, based in Geneva, is an independent organisation committed to improving the state of the world.