Chinese Sciences Academy Provides $268m for BRI projects

BEIJING — The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has provided over 1.8 billion yuan (about $268 million) for construction of science and technology projects in association with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) since 2013, said CAS President Bai Chunli on April 19.

Bai made the remarks at a news conference on the science and technology cooperation between China and countries participating in the BRI.

The Alliance of International Science Organization (ANSO) was launched in November under the framework of BRI, consisting of scientific research organizations from BRI participated countries and international organizations. According to Bai, ANSO members recently clarified its vision and mission, pledging to make it an international organization with great influence in promoting, organizing and carrying out sci-tech innovation.

The first 37 ANSO members have discussed and worked out the ANSO Action Plan for 2019-2020. It plans to set up awards, scholarships, industry associations and joint training projects, in order to build a great mechanism and platform for sci-tech cooperation, meet common challenges and promote sustainable development.

Meanwhile, the CAS has trained nearly 5,000 high-level sci-tech talent for countries and regions participating in BRI, including more than 1,500 people with master's and doctoral degrees in science and engineering. Many of them have returned home and become a new force in building the BRI.

Bai said the CAS, based on the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, has built nine overseas science and education centers in BRI countries and regions and the tenth center is currently in the works.

He noted that the overseas centers have become significant platforms to carry out projects of scientific collaboration, helping to resolve livelihood issues in those countries and regions.

Bai noted that the CAS has initiated more than 100 scientific and technological cooperation projects to support the green development in BRI countries and regions. It has also set up a special fund for transferring scientific and technological achievements in those regions.

It has also cooperated with more than 100 high-tech enterprises and research institutions to establish the Belt and Road Industry Alliance to serve the regional economic and social development.

Also on April 19, a research report on the Pan-Third Pole Environment Study for a Green Silk Road was published. The program was launched by the CAS in 2018 to focus on the natural resources, ecosystem, climate change, and biodiversity in the region, which provides important scientific insights for green and sustainable development.

Yao Tandong, a CAS member and director of the program, said at the news conference that China has gained experience in ecological and environmental protection such as tackling the change of deserts and ecology conservation in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

"We hope these successful experiences can be used in countries participating in the BRI. A group of Chinese scientists has joined the building of an eco-environmental protection park in Kazakhstan as well as a global allium garden in Uzbekistan," Yao said.

Cao Jinghua, director of international cooperation with the academy, said the science and technology cooperation has contributed to the improvement of people's livelihood in countries and regions participating in the BRI.

He cited the research on disaster prevention and mitigation of railway construction in Pakistan, more precise weather forecasts for fishermen in Sri Lanka and the joint efforts to develop new medicine in Uzbekistan.

"Our overseas joint laboratories and projects have also greatly improved the research capabilities of those countries," Cao said.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced on April 19 that the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will be held from April 25 to 27 in Beijing.

Leaders including heads of state and government from 37 countries will attend the forum's roundtable summit.

Bai made the remarks at a news conference on the science and technology cooperation between China and B&R countries.

The Alliance of International Science Organization (ANSO) was launched in the Belt and Road Region last November. According to Bai, ANSO members recently clarified its vision and mission, pledging to make it an international organization with great influence in promoting, organizing and carrying out sci-tech innovation.

The first 37 ANSO members have formed the ANSO Action Plan for 2019-2020. It plans to set up awards, scholarships, industry associations and joint training projects, in order to build a great mechanism and platform for sci-tech cooperation, meet common challenges and promote sustainable development.

Meanwhile, the CAS has trained for B&R countries and regions nearly 5,000 high-level Sci-tech talents including more than 1,500 with PhD or master degrees in science and engineering. Many of them have returned home and become a new force in building the B&R.

Bai said the CAS, based on the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, has built nine overseas science and education centers in B&R countries and regions and the tenth center is currently in the works.

He noted that the overseas centers have become significant platforms to carry out scientific collaborative projects, helping to resolve livelihood issues in those countries and regions.