Qatar Calls for Expertize Exchange in Scientific and Technological Research Fields Among OIC States

Islamabad, May 31 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise in the field of scientific and technological research among the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, as a priority in order to achieve an integrated view of their communities, and diagnose weaknesses. Qatar also called for enhancing the field science and technology and linking it with investment in the Member States.     It stressed that all this could be achieved only by creating a stimulating and supportive environment for excellence and innovation in scientific research which contributes to the establishment of a comprehensive community development and production of new knowledge to support and develop human resources and development infrastructure in order to achieve leadership in science and technology.  This came in a speech delivered by HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al-Hammadi at the Fifteenth Meeting of the General Assembly of the Standing Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), which opened today in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, and runs for two days. HE the Minister noted that the field of science and information technology in the State of Qatar has witnessed great progress and remarkable development, thanks to the support of the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani, referring in this context to the development of strategic plans and executive programs that use technology in the public and private sectors.   He pointed out that the annual growth of the telecommunications sector and information technology in Qatar is estimated at (7.4 percent) during the years from 2014 until 2018. HE the Minister also highlighted the importance of scientific research as a clear way for the construction of a scientific base that lead the country to gain access to the knowledge-based economy, referring the the establishment of the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) which financially and technically supports a number researches in various scientific, educational and economic fields. He noting that the state has allocated 2 percent of the general budget for scientific research.      Qatar University has also established ten centres for multi-disciplinary applied research working on 480 research projects, and cooperates with some 133 international partners, HE the Minister added. HE the Minister stressed the importance of the Standing Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and its role in using technology and science in the service of peace, tolerance and dialogue, along with emphasis also on the visions and aspirations of the leaders of the Islamic countries in this regard, for boosting sustainable development, cohesion and constructive interaction among nations .(QNA)