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Belarus, China agree on new $10m sci-tech projects

22 May 2012

MINSK (BelTA) – Belarus and China are set to implement 18 new sci-tech joint projects estimated at about $10 million, Chairman of the State Committee for Science and Technology of Belarus Igor Voitov said following a session of the Belarus-China intergovernmental commission for sci-tech cooperation on 22 May, BelTA has learnt.

“Eighteen new projects have been approved by the government. These projects cover multiple scientific fields, from medical technologies to lasers and microelectronic devices for Chinese industry,” Igor Voitov said.

The parties agreed to set up research centers and joint laboratories to conduct fundamental research projects. They considered participation of Chinese companies in venture financing of Belarusian projects and in the state innovative development program of Belarus. Top on the agenda of the meeting was also personnel training.

Over the past two years Belarus and China implemented 15 nation-wide joint projects in science and technologies. Another 30 projects were implemented on the sectoral level by universities, scientists and representatives of the industrial complex. Over this time the number of projects executed by Belarusian organizations to order of Chinese corporations and research centers rose 2.5 times. Last year, the projects executed by the Belarusian Education Ministry were estimated at $5.5 million, the National Academy of Sciences – over $5 million, the Industry Ministry – over $20 million.

On 22 May the commission for sci-tech cooperation signed over 10 cooperation agreements. “These agreements envisage collaboration in dual technologies, civil projects in physics, chemistry, nano-industry, laser technologies, new materials and agribusiness,” Igor Voitov said.

The Belarusian National Technical University signed a cooperation document with the Lianjiang Science and Technology University (Guangdong Province). OAO Agat Control Systems signed a protocol of intent with Jinan University.