Tehran – Development of International Cooperation in Science and Technology, China’s Ambassadors of Hossein Roozbeh and Iran Cong Peiwu explored the path to expanding scientific and technological collaboration between the two countries.
Authorities met Peiu on Wednesday after visiting the Tehran branch of the Iran House of Innovation and Technology (IHIT), Mehr news agency reported.
A Chinese official visited Tehran IHIT said, “Iran has a grand civilization and is home to intelligent people who have achieved great results. The country’s technological development history is shining. Today, we are witnessing the rapid technological advances of Iran in the modern era.
Referring to Iran’s vice president of science, technology and knowledge-based economy, Hossein Afsin, a recent visit to China and an open approach to international international cooperation, authorities said they believe there are many potential paths to strengthening partnerships between the two countries.
On his part, Rooseve highlighted the need to promote and accelerate scientific cooperation between Iran and China, and the two countries have a long history of scientific, technical, economic and trade cooperation.
Iran’s science and technology ecosystem has made great strides in recent years as more than 10,000 knowledge-based companies have operated in the country. The contribution of a highly skilled and talented workforce has created great opportunities for the development of joint cooperation, he said.
On the sidelines of the Second Belt and Road Road Conference on the Second Belt Science and Technology Exchange in June, referring to the Memorandum of Understanding (Mous) sung by the Deputy Prime Ministers of the People’s Republic of China, Afsin and Din Zhishen, authorities announced that Iran is ready to implement the agreement that was made.
Roozbeh highlighted China’s outstanding capabilities (AI) and Iran’s advances in artificial intelligence (AI), saying that the AI partnership will bring valuable results to the region and the world.
Officials went on to say that the establishment of BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) LabSnet will play an important role in expanding scientific interactions on an international scale.
Both countries have also agreed to exchange researchers, young scientists and elites and participate in exhibitions in each county. Collaboration includes joint efforts from the technology, health and medicine, the environment and agriculture sectors.
Officials also said Iran will launch its first IHIT in China in the coming months.
***** China is interested in developing scientific cooperatives with Iran
The Second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange was held in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China.
Zhisheng met Afshin on the sidelines of a three-day meeting. He expressed China’s willingness to support scientific and technical cooperation with Iran within the framework of the BRI.
Chinese officials noted that, referring to the agreement reached between the two countries, China is willing to effectively implement Iran-China’s strategic partnership and promote high-quality cooperation within the BRI framework. “We are trying to further develop the scientific and technological cooperation capabilities between the two countries in order to provide more concrete benefits,” the IRNA quoted Zhisheng as saying.
On his part, Afsin said he was interested in Iran strengthening ties with China and achieving breakthroughs in major scientific and technical cooperation.
China and Iran formally defined their bilateral relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) in early 2016, when President Xi Jinping visited Iran. Strategic relationships have seen robust development ever since.
Iran demonstrates full support for China on a variety of issues, from China’s central national interests and those related to major international agendas proposed by China, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China is also strongly supportive of Iran’s legitimate quest on many issues. China supported Iran’s legitimate position on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran’s position on women’s rights, and membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Agency (SCO) and BRICS.
Addressing the second meeting, Afshin proposed six strategic plans to increase technical connections along the Silk Road. The six proposals are based on national capabilities, operational experience, and regionally oriented perspectives, the IRNA reported.
The initial plan focused on the creation of a BRI (Belt and Road Initiative)-Techmatch platform, incorporating technology to suit the needs of developing countries.
The establishment of a regional centre in Tehran for future research and surveillance techniques in BRI member states was the second recommendation.
The third suggestion involved launching BRI LabSnet. To ensure high quality technology exchange and provide affordable technology, Iran proposes to launch a multinational network of specialized laboratories to test and evaluate equipment and technologies produced in the country of BRI.
Implementing a regional technical skills training program focusing on youth in BRI countries was the fourth proposed plan.
The final proposal was to develop a Charter of Technical Cooperation for the BRI country, focusing on ethics, data governance and fair technology transfer.
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