Daniel Filmus, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Argentina delivers a keynote speech via video at the Fourth China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Science, Technology and Innovation Forum on September 2, 2022. [Photo/chinanews.com]
China will enhance practical scientific and technological cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries in areas such as technology transfer, innovation in sustainable food and jointly addressing global challenges, officials said Friday.
Clean energy, digital technology, agricultural technology, communications and satellites are areas in which it is hoped there will be deeper cooperation between China and Latin America.
China’s Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang made the comments at the Fourth China-LAC Science, Technology and Innovation Forum. More than 20 chief science officers from the regions participated in the online meeting.
Wang said China has sought to build solidarity and cooperation among developing countries, which has resulted in steady progress in scientific and technological cooperation between China and Latin American countries.
The two sides are facing the common challenges of economic recovery, improving livelihoods and achieving sustainable development, Wang said.
At the same time, he said China will facilitate the establishment of the China-Latin America sustainable food innovation center and technology transfer center that were proposed last year.
China will take advantage of the complementary strengths between itself and other Latin American and Caribbean countries to promote new cooperation that is deeper, broader and more comprehensive.
Daniel Filmus, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Argentina, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), said he appreciates the results of cooperation between China and Latin American countries, added that the forum plays a vital role in promoting scientific and technological cooperation and building mutual trust.
Latin American countries believe that science and technology development is a key way to promote national socio-economic development and will continue to engage with China through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, Filmus said.
Officials said training, joint research projects and technology transfers are important areas of cooperation.
In December, China and CELAC member countries signed a joint action plan for cooperation in key areas from 2022 to 2024. They include high-level official exchanges, economy, food security, science, industry, culture and public health. among others.
