Foreigners encouraged to seek S&T partners
By Cui Ning (China　Daily)
Updated: 2005-05-12 23:53

Foreign research institutes are being encouraged to operate in China by linking up with local partners for new technology and project developments, Minister of Science and Technology Xu Guanhua urged yesterday.

Government officials of South China's Guang Province and administration of Eriksson China branch launch the S&T center in the provincial capital of Guangzhou May 9, 2005. [newsphoto/file]

Xu was speaking at China-EU forum on science and technology strategy, which opened yesterday in Beijing.

Xu suggested China and EU (the European Union) further propel co-operation in the fields of hydrogen energy and nuclear fusion resources, space and aviation, environment, biological and information sciences.

"To deepen mutual understanding of scientific progress, the two sides should also make it possible that China's Technology Year Exposition are regularly held in the Europe, while EU can sponsor similar activities in China," said Xu.

He called on medium and small firms from the two sides to closely co-operate with each other in order to upgrade the development of high-tech industries.

"The Chinese authorities are trying to improve the environment for foreign research institutes to enter the country," said Zhang Zhiqin, an official of the ministry's Department for International Co-operation.

Incomplete statistics indicate that the country has seen more than 300 branches of foreign research institutions established over the recent two years.

French Pasteur Institute, for example, set up a branch in Shanghai last year.

However, "conditions need to be further improved for foreign institutes to better perform in China," said Zhang.

"We are planning to work out tax and other preferential policies for foreign institutes," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Science and Technology encouraged domestic universities and research institutes to compete in overseas markets.

Huawei and Hai'er companies have set up their branches in the Europe.

At yesterday's opening ceremony of the forum, Janez Potocnik, EU commissioner for science and research, said the EU is willing to co-operate with China in environment, climate change, sustainable development and other aspects.

He said the two sides should seize opportunities to forward co-operation to brave the challenges they commonly face, such as global governance and security issues.

Since EU opened its Sixth Framework Programme to China in 2002, Chinese scientists have joined 60 EU projects, including mobile communications and food safety.

Meanwhile, European scientists have also participated in China's national key basic research projects.

The EU will soon start its Seventh Framework Programme, whereas China will implement a long-term scientific blueprint.

"Thus, the two sides have more potentials of co-operation in the future," said Vice-Minister of Science and Technology Shang Yong.

Long friendship

China held a reception in Beijing yesterday to mark the 30th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with the European Union. Senior diplomats from both sides vowed to enhance dialogue and co-operation in all fields though their differences in trade, arms sales and human rights remain to be solved, Xinhua reported.

"It's a long-term strategy and a common choice which is in the fundamental interests of China and the EU to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership," State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan told visiting EU Troika foreign ministers before the reception in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

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