|
Sino-Indian cooperation in Science & Technology is poised for a great leap forward with the two countries taking an historic decision today to set up a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) to promote collaboration in diverse areas including disaster management, IT, Pharmaceuticals including Indian System of Medicine, non-conventional energy etc.
The proposal for the Joint Steering Committee was mooted by the Minister for Science & Technology Shri Kapil Sibal at the Official Level Meeting with the Chinese side led by State Councillor Ms. Chen Zhilli. This is for the first time that such a high ranking Chinese Minister dealing with Science & Technology has come to India. The JSC will be co-chaired by the Ministers for Science & Technology of the two countries and will have its first meeting in Beijing sometime next year after its constitution through bi-lateral consultations.
Extending a warm welcome to the visiting Chinese delegation, Shri Sibal said that the Indian side is looking forward to the proposed visit of the Chinese Premier next year coinciding with 55 years of diplomatic relationship between the two countries and 50 years of Panchsheel. Listing various possible areas of cooperation Shri Sibal said that China has made its impact in the global market in the hardware sector and the same is true about India in the software sector. If the two countries synergise their strengths, it will not only benefit the peoples of the two countries but also make an impact in the global market. He also said that there is tremendous scope for cooperation in nano-science, ocean development, polar science, extraction of gas hydrates, marine resources etc.
Lauding the role of scientists for their contribution in the development of India in various sectors Ms. Chen agreed with the Indian side that in this era of knowledge economy, cooperation in science & technology between the two most populous countries of the world will be of great significance. She said that besides IT, the two countries should cooperate in bio-technology, nuclear energy, medicine and space research.
The Chinese side were particularly appreciative of the strides made by India in IT, bio-technology and services sectors. They evinced keen interest to know how India has been able to formulate policies in these sectors for their growth.
|
