The Science and Technology Commission and S&T Association of Chongqing Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding of UK-China Partners in Science with the local British Consulate-General's Culture and Education Section on Monday.

The year-long UK-China Partners in Science initiative was proposed after the relationship between China and the UK was defined as comprehensive strategic partnership during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to London last May.

Joint exhibitions and conferences will be held throughout China this year to showcase the latest innovations in science and technology.

The first event was a UK-China Food Safety Seminar held on Tuesday. It will be followed by a series of workshops on traditional Chinese medicines, food, climate change and new materials, as well as visits between Chongqing and UK.

Xu Zhongmin, vice chairman of the Chongqing Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, praised the Consul-General's office for its "active role promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries."

Tim Summers, Britain's Consul-General in Chongqing, said their focus will be on areas where the UK's scientific expertise matches the needs and strengths of southwest China.

David Concar, first secretary of Science and Innovation with the British Embassy in China, said that he hopes that the UK-China Partners in Science will contribute to rural development in China by bringing basic technologies to farmers.

Dai Wei, vice chairman of the Chongqing Association for Science and Technology, vowed to build future cooperation on the principle of equity and mutual benefit, sharing of results and intellectual property rights protection.

The British Consulate-General's office in Chongqing will celebrate the fifth anniversary of its establishment in a few days. This year also marks the fifth anniversary of China's launch of its western development campaign.  

(People’s Daily March 16, 2005)