Chinese VP asks for more science, tech cooperation with Egypt

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong (left) and Ahraf Al-Shihy, minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt, meet representatives of the National Research Center and Egyptian scientists. [Photo by Hou Liqiang/chinadaily.com.cn]

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong called for strengthening cooperation in science and technology with Egypt during a visit to the country's National Research Center on Monday.

Liu asked for the establishment of more platforms and the creation of more opportunities to facilitate cooperation between young scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs from both countries. She also called for the sharing of more ideas and experiences in science and technology innovation policies, development planning of industrial technology and commercialization of research findings.

She also encouraged scientific research institutions, universities and enterprises on both sides to establish joint laboratories to promote high-level scientific research.

China will offer 50 more opportunities for young Egyptian scientists to work in China, she announced.

Under a Chinese government program, young Egyptian scientists under the age of 45 can go to China and work in scientific research institutes, universities or enterprises as visiting scholars for six months or a whole year. They receive $ 2,000 per month for salary and living expenses. So far, 17 Egyptian scientists have been offered this opportunity.

Essam Khamis, Egypt's deputy minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, spoke highly of the program and said it could "facilitate cooperation and communication of scientists of the two countries" and "improve Egyptian scientists' capacity for scientific research".