To implement the consensus reached by the heads of state of China and Turkmenistan and the intention of cooperation reached by the two sides at the First China-Turkmenistan Science and Innovation Forum, the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan jointly held the Second China-Turkmenistan Science and Innovation Forum in Wuhan from November 15 to 16, 2018. Zhang Jianguo, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Administrator of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, Chen Anli, Vice Governor of the People‘s Government of Hubei Province, Vice President and member of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, and Chynar Rustamova, Turkmenistan Ambassador to China, attended and addressed the opening ceremony of the Forum.
In his address, Vice Minister Zhang Jianguo stressed that China-Turkmenistan relations have entered a new stage of strategic partnership and are facing new opportunities for development. He said that the two sides should follow the consensus reached by the two heads of state to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of STI, learn from each other’s strengths and let the achievements of their STI cooperation continue to benefit the peoples of the two countries. Vice Minister Zhang Jianguo also briefed the Turkmenistan side on China‘s major achievements in the field of STI, national programs for STI and international cooperation and exchanges in science and technology. He also suggested that the China-Turkmenistan Science and Innovation Forum should be institutionalized to strengthen exchanges and visits of scientists, especially young scientists, between China and Turkmenistan, and promote research institutes, universities and enterprises in the two countries to carry out pragmatic project cooperation in the field of STI.
Vice President of the Academy of Turkmenistan briefed the Chinese host on its relevant science and technology laws and regulations, latest science and technology policies, priority directions of science and technology development and international cooperation in science and technology. He pointed out that China is an important strategic partner of Turkmenistan and that STI is a key link in promoting the economic development of the two countries. He also noted that there is huge potential for science and technology cooperation between the two countries and hoped that scientists and engineers in both countries will take this Forum as an opportunity to carry out constructive dialogues and engage in active and efficient interactions.
The Forum attracted more than 120 delegates from 12 institutions in Turkmenistan and from 46 provincial and municipal science and technology administrative departments, universities, research institutions, high and new tech enterprises in China. Experts and scholars from both sides delivered thematic reports on the topics of chemical technology, medicine and pharmacology, held five special technology matchmaking sessions and promoted more than 30 projects. The special sessions covered areas such as energy conservation and solar energy technology, alternative energy, research, development and production of new materials, seismology, biology, agriculture and animal husbandry. Participants from both countries spoke highly of the cooperation results achieved by the Forum. 
During the Forum, Vice Minister Zhang Jianguo also held a bilateral meeting with Vice President of the Academy to determine priority areas and directions of China- Turkmenistan cooperation in science and technology, and discuss matters concerning the establishment of a China-Turkmenistan technology transfer center. The two sides agreed to actively boost research personnel exchanges and mutual visits through the Talented Young Scientist Program and by holding various practical technology training courses.