Science and Technology Cooperation Enhanced in Manila

Science and Technology cooperation in the Asia-Pacific has been enhanced through a two day meeting of APEC's Industrial Science and Technology Working Group.

Meeting in Manila, the Philippines, on March 28-29, delegates from around the APEC Region explored areas for increased scientific and technological cooperation.

Discussions focused on areas such as cleaner production methods, metrology, nanotechnology, biotechnology, climatology, development of natural resources, environmental science, education, and converging technology for combating infectious diseases.

An important feature of this meeting was the inclusion of a number of participants from the Philippines science and technology sector in the event. Philippines representatives were selected from agencies involved in the study of industrial science and technology policies and issues.

ISTWG priority concerns for 2006 include the participation of women and ethnic communities in scientific research, a planned symposium on science-industry linkages, the ongoing activities of the Sustainable Development Task Force and the APEC Climate Center.

The role of the ISTWG is to fulfill APEC's vision for the 21sth century of a dynamic and prosperous Asia-Pacific region. This vision is anchored on industrial science and technology activities that improve the quality of life, preserve the natural environment and achieve sustainable development.

The ISTWG's Medium-term Work Plan includes efforts to connect research and innovation activities taking place around the region and to build the human capacity of the science sectors in APEC Member Economies.