On February 18, 2022, Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang had a meeting with SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming. The two sides exchanged views and reached consensus on the progress of science, technology and innovation (STI) cooperation in the SCO and future cooperation with the organization.

 

Minister Wang Zhigang said that following the“Shanghai Spirit”, the SCO has contributed its share to the cause of world peace and development and human progress, and made important explorations in both the theories and practices for building a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind. STI cooperation is part and parcel of the results-oriented cooperation within the SCO framework. Through the establishment of scientific and technological cooperation mechanisms, people-to-people exchanges in science and technology, and the building of STI cooperation platforms, SCO cooperation in the STI field has grown ever stronger and closer. Going forward, China will continue to work for the deepening of STI cooperation among SCO member states in line with the principle of open cooperation and encourage the SCO member states to harness the power of STI to promote economic and social development, improve people’s well-being and protect the ecological environment.

 

Secretary-General Zhang Ming acknowledged China’s efforts and contribution to promote STI cooperation within the SCO, and pledged to echo the appeal of all parties for stronger STI cooperation and further promote mutually beneficial cooperation among SCO member states in the STI field.

 

The two sides agreed to promote the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the development strategies and regional cooperation initiatives of SCO member states through STI cooperation, support the fostering of growth drivers for cooperation in technology transfer and commercialization and modern agricultural technologies, and continue to conduct people-to-people exchanges in science and technology.

 

Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO Yerik Ashimov, Director-General Dai Gang and Deputy Director-General Chen Linhao of the Department of International Cooperation, and Director-General Lan Yujie of the Department of Science and Technology for Rural Development of the Ministry of Science and Technology attended the meeting.