BRICS to strengthen cooperation on science and innovation

BRICS countries will continue to strengthen multilateral exchanges and cooperation to promote science and innovation, according to a declaration signed at a ministerial meeting in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province on Tuesday. 

Brics science and technology ministers sign declaration in Hangzhou. [Photo: Chinaplus]

Wan Gang, China's Science Minister, says the five member nations of BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have always agreed that innovation is one of the major driving forces for sustainable economic development. 

He said science, technology, and innovation have played a crucial role in providing jobs, promoting structural reforms and market competitive, as well as tackling global challenges.

"As a result, BRICS nations have to strengthen the role of science and technology, facilitate multilateral science projects, people to people exchanges, and build frameworks for long term projects and cooperation," he added. 

The 5th Brics Science and Technology Innovation ministerial meeting held in Hangzhou. [Photo: Chinaplus]

BRICS countries are home to 42 percent of the world's population, contribute 18 percent to the world's gross domestic product, 17 percent of total research funds and 27 percent of all published science papers.

"BRICS nations' strong role in global science development is becoming more evident," said Minister Wan Gang. "More multilateral cooperation and exchanges at all levels are beneficial in unlocking the science potential of each member nation."

The ministers have also agreed to promote multilateral public-private partnerships, science park construction, research and technology transfers, investments and platform building.