Nepal-China Discuss Science and Innovation Cooperation

Kathmandu. A courtesy meeting was held at the ministry between Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chang Mao Ming on the subject of making Nepal-China cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation more effective.

During the meeting, discussions were held on forming a joint committee to move forward the implementation of the agreement reached in 2023 with the objective of cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation. Efforts were made to find a consensus to accelerate the agreement, which has not been effectively moving forward so far.

In the discussion, priority was given to the development of innovation centers in Nepal, research and development in the field of biotechnology, study and research of high mountainous regions and Himalayan herbs, satellite data sharing for ecological monitoring, climate change and environmental research, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, and exchange and training of researchers and scientists.

In the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Chang informed that China invests about 2.8 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in research and development, stating that the development of science and technology has been kept as a national priority.

Ambassador Chang also provided information about the policies and programs put forward in the field of science, technology and innovation under the 15th Five-Year Plan of the Chinese government. He handed over a copy of the detailed document related to the plan to the Nepali side.