Tehran – The Vice President of Science, Technology and Knowledge-based Economy is set to establish a new branch of Iranian Innovation Technologies (IHIT) in regional countries.
“Despite the unilateral sanctions, there were no issues with the regional countries in boosting and exchanging scientific cooperation,” the IRNA quoted Hossein Afshin, vice president of science, technology and knowledge-based economies.
“When we talk about science diplomacy, we don’t just refer to the US or European countries. Regions and Islamic countries offer a good opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise and export products,” the official said.
Recently, IHIT was established in Jakarta, Indonesia, to enhance economic ties between the two countries and to expand the export of knowledge-based products.
Supported by the Vice President for the Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, and the Development Agency for International Cooperation in Science and Technology, the centre was launched in the presence of Iran’s Jakarta ambassador, Mohammad Borgherdi, along with the expo of the 37th Indonesian Hospital, held from September 25th to 28th.
At the opening ceremony, officials hoped that the Centre’s appointment would be a turning point in expanding economic ties between the two countries, paving the way for a stronger presence for Iranian companies in the Southeast Asian market.
He added that it will contribute to strengthening the joint efforts between Tehran and Jakarta.
The Centre aims to promote Iranian companies’ entry into the Indonesian market and build a basis for broad cooperation in the health and technology sectors.
Iran will begin its first IHIT in China within the next few months.
Neighboring countries “priorities”
The current administration has made its priority to promote scientific cooperation with neighboring countries, according to officials from the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.
On the one hand, the high capacity of neighboring countries and the need to import Iranian science and technology bases on the expansion of relations, citing the IRNA saying Farhad Yazdandoast.
Authorities further state that since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the country has made great strides in promoting science, technology and higher education, and further demonstrated these achievements through interactions with universities around the world. Typical examples are Iranian science elite, its achievements and overseas status.
President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration is seeking to resume and promote collaboration with countries where science is a priority.
Therefore, scientific communication is not limited to neighbouring countries, he said. “We are strengthening our scientific and international partnerships with Independent States (CIS) countries.
It also plans to develop relationships with several non-neighboring countries that rely on external scientific support, importing scientific knowledge and sharing expertise.
Working with major Asian countries in science, such as China and South Korea, will help them become familiar with Iran’s potential.
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