Scientific and technological (S&T) activities in the Philippines and Thailand recently got a big push as science and technology leaders in both countries signed a legally binding agreement to work together in promoting the development of S&T cooperation between said countries.
According to the agreement, the Philippines and Thailand shall carry out S&T cooperation in joint research and development; exchange of scientists, specialists, and representatives of academic, research, industrial, and trade organizations; exchange of technical documentation and information; arrangement of bilateral conferences and symposia on subjects of mutual interest; and other forms of cooperation in the field of science and technology.
The two governments also concurred to include visits and exchanges of S&T specialists in fields beyond the agreed areas in the current agreement.
According to DOST secretary Fortunato Dela Pe?a, representatives of both Philippines and Thailand will meet as soon as possible to negotiate the programs and approve the areas and terms of S&T cooperation. They should also agree on ways and means to accomplish program items and discuss other matters related to the cooperation.
The Philippine-Thailand agreement will also pave the way to link up organizations, agencies, universities, and firms in both countries, and conclude implementing arrangements. To run for five years, the program shall start this March 2017 and end in March 2023.
