Science and Technology (S&T) Cooperation Agreements are instrumental in developing bilateral relationships and one of the key elements of foreign relations. If forged suitably it can drive economic development and improve human health along with benefitting the society.
Canada has a long history of creating strong international relationships on many grounds including S&T. The country is a leader in research and can meet the challenge of developing world leading products and solutions which are commercially viable.
One of the top partners of Canada in S&T is the People’s Republic of China. Through a meaningful collaboration both the countries have been working together for over a decade.
Canada and China S&T Collaboration
The agreement was signed between the Canadian Minister of International Trade David Emerson and China’s Minister for Science and Technology Xu Guanhua in 2007. Depending heavily on innovation, the collaboration was made with an aim to leverage research and development operations in key areas.
Being the global leaders in science and technology, the two nations will bring together public and private sector researchers, academicians, experts, innovators. Through sharing of knowledge and joint S&T investment in public and private sectors, motives of the agreement will be realized.
Aims of the Collaboration
One of the major aims of the cooperation involves enabling the Canadian entrepreneurs to market their products in less time. The projects under the collaboration will also bring the private sector and the academic circle closer and reduce the hurdles lying in the path between laboratory and the marketplace.
1. Nature of Projects
The Canada-China Joint Committee (CCJC) on Science and Technology Cooperation has decided to collaborate on the following areas-
2. Energy
Green and clean energy is becoming the priority of all countries around the world. Canada is already one of the leading countries in alternate power generation and excelling in technologies like solar energy.
Both countries can work together in research and R&D to bring more innovative and cost effective energy solutions without depleting the natural resources. China can also benefit from Canada in green energy, fuel cells, clean coal, hydrogen and so on.
3. Environment
Climate change and global warming has brought the need to have better weather surveillance and warning systems. Areas like sustainable mining and material research will be advanced with extensive research with participation from universities, government and the researchers.
China has also shown interest in Canada’s innovative solutions to fight air, water and coastal pollution.
4. Agricultural Foods and Bioproducts
Cooperation between the nations will be used to foster better practices and solutions in agri-food, genetics and genomics and farming systems. The projects deal with developing cost effective agri-products which will be commercially viable and useful to the population.
5. Health and Life Sciences
The advance in medical technology and pharmaceutical industry in Canada makes it a great partner for collaboration with China. Better therapies and medications for infectious and serious diseases are focus areas of the working groups.
The action plan for the collaboration has been updated and renewed in February 2016 when the Canada and China Joint Committee attended its 6th session.