Pakistan Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Sciences (PAS-CAS) Monday signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance scientific cooperation and exchange of scientists, young scholars and technicians between the two countries.

The signing ceremony was held here on Monday at COMSTECH, in which President PAS, Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman and President CAS, Prof. Chunli Bai, signed the MoU.

Addressing the press conference, Dr. Atta said CAS is the most powerful scientific institution in China with over 100 world-class research institutes and science and technology universities under its umbrella.

He said one-day conference with three parallel sessions has also been organized today at PAS, covering the fields of Internet Security, Nanotechnology and Environmental Sciences.

Dr. Atta said an MoU was signed between the two academies (PAS-CAS) on March 8, 2000, adding, now the Chinese delegation is here to revive that agreement.

He briefed the media that according to the signed agreement symposia, conferences, workshops will be organized by both academies. Proposals for bilateral scientific meetings may be made by either academy and approved by both academies, he added.

Dr. Atta said following such approval, a scientific coordinator will be appointed by each academy to coordinate the scientific program of the meeting.

According to MoU, both academies will share their expertise by encouraging exchange of scientific personnel in all branches of science.

It includes exchange of senior scientists and technical staffs, post doctoral training and exchange of Ph. D students.

President CAS said goal oriented projects relating to key branches of science and technology will be initiated between scientists of both academies and both sides will share funding on a case-by-case basis.

Replying to a quiz about energy crisis, President PAS Dr. Atta said Pakistan and China will soon start work to explore methane at Gwadar to produce energy.

He said it is a new technology and once started, which will help to cover power shortage in the country.

Dr. Atta said PAS is a policy making body and now is preparing white paper on various issues to guide government and the related departments and steps urged for enhancing their efficiency.

White paper on energy crisis is ready and will be issued within two months, he said adding, it will highlight main reasons for energy shortage in the country.

He said sharing of resources will be of benefit to both sides which may include library resources and instrumentation.

About financial provisions he said, the nominating Academy will meet international costs including the medical insurance.

(Source: Associated Press of Pakistan)