Executive Director of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (Comsats), Dr Imtinan Elahi Qureshi visited People's Republic of China from 22nd to 26th March. The main agenda was related to stronger participation of Centres of Excellence in Comsats' sponsored scientific activities in different member states.
Preparations for the 13th Co-ordinating Council meeting to be held in May 2010 in Trieste, Italy, was also reviewed. During his five-day visit, the Executive Director met the Vice Minister for Science and Technology, Head of International Centre for Climate and Environmental Sciences (ICCES) and Director of the Bureau of International Co-operation, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).He also visited Guanghua School of Management in Peking University and Zhongguancun Software Park (Z-Park) in Beijing.
On 22nd March 2010, Dr Qureshi met the Vice Minister (Incharge of International Affairs), Ministry of Science and Technology, China, H.E. Mr CAO Jianlin. The two officials extensively discussed a proposal for S&T co-operation programme between Comsats and the Ministry of Science and Technology, China. In light of the unprecedented development that China has shown in a relatively shorter span of time, the programme has been developed by Comsats Secretariat to showcase Chinese S&T capacities and technical expertise as an impetus for member countries of Comsats.
Dr Qureshi visited the International Centre of Climate and Environmental Sciences (ICCES) on 23rd March 2010, where he met Director ICCES, Professor Dr LIN Zhaohui. The matters brought under discussion included reinvigoration of the role of ICCES as Comsats' Network member; thematic research activity on "climate change and environmental protection", technology sharing and joint research projects between ICCES and other members of Comsats.-PR