During Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to Germany in January 2009, China and Germany issued a joint communique, proposing the holding of Sino-German Science and Education Year 2009-2010 to promote the scientific and educational exchanges.

At the invitation of Minister Annette Schavanof Education and Research, Minister Wan Gang of MOST paid a visit to Germany from March 29 to April 1, 2009 to attend the opening ceremony of the Sino-German Science and Education Year. He delivered a speech entitled “Join hands in innovation for win-win cooperation, and open a new chapter for Sino-German scientific and educational cooperation”. In his speech, Wan Gang introduced the achievements of S&T development in China, and the efforts done by the Chinese government in reaction to international financial crisis, climate changes, energy saving, emission reduction, and international scientific cooperation.