Chen Jiachang, Deputy Director General of International Cooperation, Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology and visiting Director-General Hans Schutte, Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science attended a DG-level consultation meeting on May 19, 2016. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on advancement and cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI).

DDG Chen Jiachang stressed the long-term, close and stable relations between China and the Netherland in STI. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, China will embrace the ideas of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development and implement the Strategy of Innovation-driven Development. China will deepen reforms of S&T programs management and further integrate resources of innovation in a bid to promote application of scientific outcomes. It is hoped that the two countries could strengthen the exchange of innovation policies and advance socioeconomic development of both countries through closer ties of STI cooperation.

DG Hans Schutte agreed with DDG Chen’s ideas. He was impressed by China’s policies and actions in advancing scientific innovation. The Netherland is willing to work with China for innovative modality of cooperation to push forward cooperation between the two countries under the Sino-Dutch Scientific Strategic Alliance Initiative. DG Hans Schutte also briefed the Chinese side on the Dutch National Innovation Action Scheme and the latest developments of university cooperation between two countries.