KATHMANDU: Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation Mahabir Pun and the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Zhang Maoming, held a meeting at the ministry on Wednesday to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.

Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Minister Pun stated that discussions primarily focused on forming a joint committee to finally advance the implementation of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation Agreement signed between the two nations in 2023.

He noted that despite the agreement being signed years ago, no significant progress had been made toward its execution until now, prompting both sides to agree on moving forward more effectively.

During the high-level meeting, the two sides agreed to collaborate on a wide array of technical initiatives, including developing innovation centers in Nepal, accelerating research and development (R&D) in biotechnology, and studying high-altitude regions and Himalayan medicinal herbs.

Furthermore, they agreed to share satellite data for environmental and ecological monitoring, while also diving into discussions on climate change research, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and establishing exchange and training programs for researchers and scientists.

Ambassador Zhang highlighted China’s commitment to the field by sharing that his country consistently invests approximately 2.8% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) into research and development.

The Ambassador also briefed Minister Pun on China’s newly designed 15th Five-Year Plan for the advancement of science, technology, and innovation, handing over a detailed document of the strategy.

Minister Pun expressed deep confidence that this document will provide Nepal with the vital knowledge and historical experience necessary to develop its own domestic science and technology sectors.