CAST President meets with German counterparts to strengthen Sino-German collaboration
Wan Gang, President of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) meets with Otmar Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association of Germany, and Gerald Haug, President of the German National Academy of Sciences on January 9, 2025 in Beijing. The goal is to foster in-depth scientific and cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Germany.
Luo Hui, Executive Secretary of the Leading Party Members Group and Director General of the Department of International Affairs of CAST, was also present at the meeting.
Wan Gang, President of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), along with other high-ranking officers of the CAST, poses for a group photo with Otmar Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association of Germany, and Gerald Haug, President of the German National Academy of Sciences and their delegation on January 9, 2025 in Beijing.
Wan Gang briefed the attendees about China's strategic initiatives and practical steps towards fostering a low-carbon and green transformation across its economy and society.
He detailed China's robust policies and active practices which aimed at accelerating the transition to a sustainable economic model. He highlighted the nation's significant strides in advancing the development of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), underscoring the nation’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.
Furthermore, he spoke about the government's efforts to encourage a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, recognizing these as key drivers for technological advancement and economic growth.
Additionally, he emphasized China's proactive stance on promoting open cooperation, both domestically and internationally.
He underscored the pivotal role of the CAST as a leading mass organization of Chinese sci-tech professionals. He elaborated on CAST's active involvement in its key priorities, which include fostering academic exchanges, delivering high-quality science popularization services, and facilitating the practical application of sci-tech achievements.
Moreover, he highlighted CAST's vigorous participation in international exchanges and cooperation, emphasizing the organization's commitment to global scientific advancement.
He expressed his hope to further enhance the connection between sci-tech organizations and scientists in China and Germany, and to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in cutting-edge science and technologies.
Wiestler and Haug applauded China's achievements in sci-tech strategic planning, cutting-edge sci-tech advancements, and green and low-carbon transformation as well.
Wiestler acknowledged China’s effective implementation of various sci-tech plans and policies, which have yielded notable outcomes. He particularly highlighted the nation’s globally recognized achievements in basic science, climate change response among other fields. He concluded that the Helmholtz Association is willing to intensify scientific research collaboration with Chinese counterparts.
Haug emphasized the substantial advancements both China and Germany have made in developing scientific research infrastructure, proposing the exploration of new cooperation mechanisms based on this foundation. He noted that the German National Academy of Sciences is dedicated to fostering increased exchanges by encouraging young German researchers and technicians to visit China for exchanges, thereby laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.
The German delegation also visited the History Display of the CAST, gaining insights into the historical development and achievements of scientific endeavors in China.
Also present at the meeting were officers from the Department of Sci-tech Innovation, the Department of International Affairs, and the China Center for International Science and Technology Exchange affiliated to the CAST (CISTE), as well as personnel from the German Embassy in China.
This meeting marks a new chapter in Sino-German scientific collaboration, aiming to drive forward joint efforts in addressing global challenges through scientific innovation and exchange.
Tag: Department of International Affairs