Pakistan to sign 18th executive protocol for Science and Technology cooperation with China

Islamabad, June 14, 2016 (PPI-OT): Pakistan and China have agreed to sign 18th Executive Protocol for S and T Cooperation by the end of 2016. The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting between Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Science and Technology and Chinese Vice Minister for S and T Mr. Yen Hejun on June 12, 2016.

This protocol is being signed at the expiry of the term of 17th S and T protocol (2012-16) between China and Pakistan signed way back in November, 2011.

According to a message received here from Kunming, China, Pakistani delegation led by Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Science and Technology along with Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation and Dr. Shahzad Alam, Chairman, PCSIR are participating in the 2 nd China-South Asia Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation Forum at Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, Kunming, China from June 12-14, 2016. The high level delegates from South Asian Countries are also participating in this event. The Ministry of Science and Technology, China is organizing this event to promote all-round cooperation and development between China and South Asian Countries. The Pakistani delegate will also meet exclusively with its South Asian counterparts and visit the science parks in China.

Mr. Rana Tanveer Husasin, Federal Minister for S and T also addressed the high level delegates of China and South Asian countries at the opening ceremony of China South Asia Expo on June 12, 2016. The Federal Minister appreciated the Chinese initiative announced by the Minister Wan Gang for convening the China South Asia Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation Forum in Kunming, China. The China-South Asia Technology Transfer Center (CSA-TTC) in Kunming has considerable significance and Pakistan would like China to share its experience and knowledge of S and T with other countries of South Asia to develop practical approaches for scientific and technological cooperation in this region, said by the minister. The Federal Minister gave a brief overview of initiatives and the administrative and legislative reforms of the present government in the fields of Science and Technology. The delegates were also apprised about the multiple linkages of Pakistan at bilateral and multilateral levels for S and T cooperation like Commission of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development (COMSATS), ECO Science Foundation and the secretariat of the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) comprising over 57 member states, the 2 nd largest forum outside UN System.

The high level delegates were provided insight of the long term Pakistani initiatives viz.,establishment of ICT and Industrial Parks, technology incubation centers in R and D organisations and attracting Foreign Direct Investment in advanced technology production through financial incentives and provision of physical infrastructure. The federal minister lauded the Pak-China S and T endeavors under the framework of Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation-1976 which has resulted in the implementation of more than 357 items of cooperation.

The Federal Minister vigorously highlighted the importance of China Pakistan Economic Corridor as a milestone for both the nations and emphasized the need to establish the industrial zones along this particular route. The Federal Minster categorically highlighted the priority areas for furthering Pak-China joint S and T Collaboration in the areas including but not limited to Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Biotechnology, Food Technology, Microbiology, Water Resources, Electronics, Oceanography, Advance Engineering/ Composite Materials, Nanotechnology, Building Materials, Textile, Leather, Industrial Minerals, Glass and Ceramics, Pharmaceuticals, Environment, Natural Resources, etc. These areas will be further considered and signed in the document of 18 th Protocol to be signed by the end of 2016.

For more information, contact:
Syeda Rehana Batool
Sr. Science Promotion Officer
Pakistan Science Foundation
1-Constitution Avenue,
Sector G-5/2, Islamabad
Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202469-70
Fax: +92-51-9202468
Website: www.psf.gov.pk