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Minister Bruton signs Memorandum of Understanding on Science and Technology with Chinese Government

Richard Bruton T.D, Minister for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation today (Tuesday) in Beijing signed a memorandum of understanding on Ireland-China Science and Innovation Cooperation with Mr. Wan Gang, Minister of Science and Technology, during Minister Bruton’s 7-day trade and investment mission to China.

The memorandum sets out the objectives and modes of cooperation on science and innovation between the two countries. Cooperative activities envisaged include exchange of scientific and technological information and data, exchange of scientists, researchers, technicians and trainees for visits, study tours and advanced studies, organisation of bilateral scientific and technical meetings and joint research on projects of mutual interest.

On the basis of this Memorandum of Understanding, both Departments will finalise arrangements to begin cooperative activities this year.

Minister Bruton stated:

“Through the Action Plan for Jobs, the Government is committed to delivering a series of measures to build on our base of scientific research to help create economic growth and jobs. Increasingly our research is industry-led, and is aimed at commercial outcomes and job-creation, but we must do more.

“Ireland and China have participated in a number of research partnerships over the past decade but through the signature of this Memorandum of Understanding we look forward to more and more linkages between Irish research groups and innovative companies with counterparts in China.”

“By combining expertise in specific areas such as life sciences, groups from both countries can find solutions to problems or to discover new techniques to improve our lives and help create jobs”.