ID :
347811
Fri, 11/14/2014 - 07:47
Auther :

Bangkok hosts ASEAN-EU Science and Technology Conference

BANGKOK, November 14 (TNA) - Bangkok hosts a cross-continental conference on science and technology between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU), aimed to promote science and innovative technology cooperation between both regions. The two-day conference, set from November 13-14, was inaugurated in the capital by Thai Science and Technology Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj and EU Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation to Thailand H.E Jesús Miguel Sanz Escorihuela on Thursday. Thailand's Ministry of Science and Technology has been authorised by the ASEAN Ministerial Council on Science and Technology to organise the inter-continental conference, in which scientists, academics and business oprators of ASEAN, EU and even China participate. During the two-day forum, the participants discuss approaches and frameworks on concrete cooperation on science and technolgoy, covering exchanges of researchers, as well as create a network of international scientists. The Thai science and technology minister said the two regions have always worked together, noting that innovative science and technology can help ease crises. The minister pointed out that EU has increased its budget for science and technological development projects by 35 per cent although the giant European trade bloc has faced economic problems. The Thai minister acknowledged, as ASEAN will become a single market in the form of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by the end of 2015, its first direction for the development of science and technology, as well as innovations are being tailored, under which all ASEAN member countries will jointly develop science and technological projects and exchange personnel for mutual benefits. The participants also discuss the application of science and technology to energy and food security, biological diversity and public health and even how to encourage youths to be more interested in science. (TNA)

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