The inaugural “Belt and Road” Science and Technology Exchange Conference commenced in Chongqing on November 6. Yuan Jiajun, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee, read the congratulatory letter from President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony. Ding Xuexiang, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.
Ding Xuexiang emphasized that President Xi Jinping’s proposal to host the first “Belt and Road” Science and Technology Exchange Conference, along with his special congratulatory letter, reflects a high regard for science and technology exchange and cooperation under the “Belt and Road” initiative. Since the introduction of the initiative, China, in collaboration with various parties, has diligently implemented the “Belt and Road” Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan, accelerating the construction of the Innovation Silk Road and achieving tangible results in science and technology innovation cooperation.
China is willing to collaborate with partner countries to deepen science and technology innovation cooperation under the “Belt and Road,” ensuring that the benefits of technological achievements reach people in all countries. Ding Xuexiang outlined four key areas of cooperation:
- Building an Innovation Partnership: Enhancing coordination between science and technology development plans and policies. China will institutionalize the “Belt and Road” Science and Technology Exchange Conference and the Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology Innovation to create a high-end platform for promoting exchanges and mutual learning.
- Fostering New Growth Drivers: Seizing opportunities in the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. Expanding cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, green energy, and advanced manufacturing to facilitate industrial transformation and upgrading in all countries.
- Creating an Open and Innovative Ecosystem: Promoting a favorable environment that respects knowledge and creativity. Encouraging the smooth flow of innovation factors such as knowledge, technology, and talent under the “Belt and Road,” ensuring a robust source of innovation.
- Improving Global Scientific and Technological Governance: Upholding true multilateralism and formulating rules based on full participation and consensus. Strengthening intellectual property protection, opposing knowledge blockade, and bridging the technological gap.
China will propose an international initiative for scientific and technological cooperation at the conference, advocating and practicing an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory international cooperation philosophy. The aim is to construct a global scientific and technological community by adhering to the principle that “science knows no borders and benefits all of humanity.”
Gábor Yacobi, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, expressed Hungary’s firm support for jointly building the “Belt and Road” and willingness to strengthen science and technology innovation cooperation with China for the benefit of both nations and the world.
Following the opening ceremony, Ding Xuexiang visited the “Belt and Road” Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Decade Achievement Exhibition and engaged in discussions with scientists and technologists. Around 800 domestic and international scientists, corporate leaders, government officials, and representatives from international organizations attended the opening ceremony.
https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202311/content_6913904.htm