Translated by Sama Marwan,
Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, received Lin Chen, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of China, and her accompanying delegation to discuss ways of mutual cooperation in scientific, research, and technological fields between Egypt and China.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Hossam Osman, Deputy Minister for Innovation and Scientific Research Affairs, Dr. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities, Dr. Walaa Sheta, CEO of the Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority, and Dr. Sherif Saleh, Acting Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, at the ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
At the outset of the meeting, the minister emphasized the deep historical ties between Egypt and China, which have resulted in fruitful cooperation over the years.
He pointed out the growing strategic partnership that reflects the importance of this relationship, stressing the need to enhance it to serve the interests of the friendly peoples and to elevate the positions of both countries on the international stage, particularly in the field of higher education and scientific research.
Ashour highlighted the scientific partnership between Egypt and China, affirming both countries’ commitment to developing knowledge and innovation to face global challenges.
He noted that the Silk Road, representing more than just a trade route, has facilitated deep knowledge and cultural exchange between the two civilizations, a rich legacy that Egypt continues to build on today.
The minister also noted the transformation of Egyptian-Chinese relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership, pointing to joint achievements in various fields.
He mentioned that there are 1,054 Chinese research institutions collaborating with Egypt in higher education and scientific research, and 9,301 joint research publications between Egyptian and Chinese researchers, reflecting the close links between academic institutions in both countries.
This enhances our scientific and technological capabilities and extends cooperation to other vital areas such as the economy and education, driven by a shared vision to achieve sustainable development.
Dr. Ayman Ashour emphasized that cooperation in innovation and technology transfer is key to sustainable development.
By strengthening partnerships between research institutions and companies and simplifying procedures related to technology transfer, we can stimulate innovation and develop new industries.
He pointed out that cooperation between the two countries in establishing networks of business incubators and startup accelerators will contribute to building a knowledge-based economy.
Dr. Ayman Ashour also discussed the necessity of cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), which has become a driving force behind a new industrial revolution.
He highlighted AI’s role in reshaping various sectors, from industry and scientific research to education and geographic information systems (GIS).
He stressed the importance of collaborating with China in the field of AI, leveraging Chinese expertise to develop specialized curricula, integrate AI into various academic disciplines, and partner in ambitious research projects to develop large language models.
These efforts will enhance education and scientific research and support vital economic sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism.
Chinese expertise can also help build the smart infrastructure necessary for AI applications and establish specialized research centers and innovation zones in this field.
He emphasized the importance of capacity building and training national cadres through joint workshops and training programs to ensure the readiness of Egyptian personnel to face future challenges.
The minister referred to the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting the importance of integrating its various aspects, including infrastructure and academic and scientific exchange.
This strategic partnership opens up wide horizons for mutual cooperation and contributes to sustainable development by leveraging this initiative to achieve significant advancements in higher education and scientific research.
Dr. Ayman Ashour also mentioned the presidential initiative “Alliance and Development,” which aims to enhance the active participation of higher education and scientific research institutions in different regions of Egypt, linking them to industry and the labor market.
This alliance adopts an interdisciplinary approach to drive innovation and growth not only within Egypt but across many countries.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Ayman Ashour affirmed that this strategic partnership will integrate the Belt and Road Initiative with the “Alliance and Development” initiative to achieve promising horizons.
He appreciated the Chinese government’s support and commitment to achieving common goals, which serves as a cornerstone for this partnership.
He looked forward to further strengthening this fruitful partnership in the future.
During the meeting, many important topics related to enhancing innovation and supporting national priorities in science and technology policies were discussed.
These include areas such as agriculture, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Both sides also discussed ways to enhance academic cooperation between the two countries by expanding faculty exchange programs.
This expansion will provide valuable opportunities for students and professors to gain new experiences and exchange knowledge and cultures, thereby enhancing cooperation and partnership between the two countries.
On the sidelines of the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology to enhance research cooperation in vital areas such as sustainability.
Under this memorandum, three joint research laboratories will be established to address pressing challenges such as waste management, green energy, and improving food security through smart agriculture.
The memorandum was signed by Dr. Walaa Sheta, CEO of STDF, and Ms. Lin Chen, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of China.
Ms. Lin Chen emphasized the pivotal role of Egypt in Africa and the Middle East, praising the growing Egyptian-Chinese relations, especially in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
She pointed out the fruitful cooperation between the two countries, from exchanging expertise to implementing large-scale joint projects in digital infrastructure and innovation.
Lin Chen conveyed the greetings of the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology and his readiness to enhance joint efforts to advance technological cooperation between China and Egypt, achieve further accomplishments, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.
She appreciated the visit of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to China last May to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Lin Chen stated that the aim of this meeting is to push forward bilateral cooperation between the two countries, implementing previously signed agreements.
She added that this meeting represents an important step toward achieving the common goals agreed upon.
At the end of the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between Egypt and China, expressing optimism about the future of this partnership and enhancing bilateral cooperation through the formation of a joint committee to develop a clear roadmap that serves the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples.
The meeting was attended by the Egyptian side: Dr. Abeer El-Shater, Assistant Minister for Technical Affairs, Dr. Sherif Keshk, Assistant Minister for Smart Governance, Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister for Strategic Planning, Training, and Employment Market Qualification, Dr. Hani Ayad, Executive Director of the Fund for Caring for Innovators and Geniuses, Dr. Ahmed El-Sabbagh, Minister’s Advisor for Technical and Technological Education, and Dr. Israa Abdel-Sayed, Cultural Counselor in the Chinese capital, Beijing.
From the Chinese side, the meeting was attended by: Mr. Zhang Tao, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Sun Jian, Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Sun Jian, Science and Technology Advisor, Mr. Xiao Wei, Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ms. Zhang Dongcheng, Secretary of the General Office at the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Li Hongwei, Official at the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Ms. Gao Xinyue, Translator at the Chinese Center for Science and Technology.
