On 21 January 2016, a 7-member delegation led by Mr. Ian Jacobs, President of the University of New South Wales, visited the Torch High Technology Industry Development Center (Torch Center). The Australian delegation was warmly received by Director General ZHANG Zhihong and Deputy Director General AN Daochang of the Torch Center, Counselor HE Fuxiang of the Executive Office of MOST and officials of relevant divisions. The two sides discussed issues concerning jointly supporting construction of a science park in the main campus of UNSW.

Director General ZHANG Zhihong expressed utmost welcome to the Australian delegation and introduced the major missions of the Torch Center, especially its efforts and achievements in advancing international cooperation. Counselor HE Fuxiang reviewed the history of China-Australia cooperation in technological and industrial development and expressed his willingness to work with Torch Center and UNSW in building a new bridge for China-Australia high-tech cooperation.

As a response, President Ian Jacobs briefed the Chinese host on the basic facts of UNSW and his vision for the “Torch Innovation Park”, i.e. to introduce China’s innovative eco-system for high-tech development, the Torch high-tech park, to Australia by 2020 with the support of both governments, thus elevating bilateral cooperation on technological and industrial innovation to a new high. A brand new state-of-art innovation park covering 20,000 square meters will be built in Sydney’s famous eastern suburbs. Once the innovation park is completed, the newly built light rail transit system will be able to connect the park with the Kensington campus of UNSW and the CBD of the city. The UNSW Torch Park will be an appealing destination for SMEs, entrepreneurs, investors and decision-makers from Australia, China and beyond.

Director General ZHANG Zhihong echoed the proposal and applauded UNSW’s vision for Torch Innovation Park. He hoped that the two countries can clarify their actual needs and goals of cooperation, and take the opportunity of cooperation to deepen mutual understanding, promote exchanges in high-tech industries and build the Torch Innovation Park into a landmark project of China-Australia S&T cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, the Australian delegation expressed appreciation to Torch Center for gracious hospitality and wonderful organization of the meeting. After the meeting, the Australian delegation also visited the Zhongguancun Science Park of Beijing.