Technology transfer is a focus

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have taken substantial steps to make technology transfer the next focal point for future economic cooperation, Wan Gang, minister of science and technology, said on Tuesday.

A series of policies and infrastructure incentives have been proposed by China as fine-tuning measures to consolidate the China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center, which was unveiled at the 10th China-ASEAN Expo.

An embroidery show displays traditional Southeast Asian culture at the 10th China-ASEAN Expo, which opened in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Tuesday.Wu Zhiyi / China Daily

These measures include the establishment of a center for science and technology policy coordination, joint science and technology parks, and a bilateral agricultural-technology cooperation network, Wan said during the forum on China-ASEAN Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation.

Some 20 projects on high-tech cooperation were signed during the conference, spanning a wide range from renewable energy, agriculture technology, resource exploration and mobile payments.

Wan said the regional technology partnership is demand-oriented and capacity-building focused, and aims to accelerate regional economic growth, social progress and cultural development.

Bilateral technological cooperation has enjoyed fast growth since 2012, when the China-ASEAN Science and Technology Partnership Program was formed during last year's expo.

Four key pillars now comprise the technology transfer agreement.

One initiative is the establishment of joint laboratories between China and ASEAN member states, where researchers carry out high-level joint projects and strengthen exchanges and development among young scientists.

One example is the joint lab between China and Cambodia on food testing, through which China shares its food examination technologies and helps Cambodia enhance food security.