PUTRAJAYA, 16 August 2012 – Malaysia and Mozambique will increase bilateral cooperation in science and technology with an MoU inked between the two countries today.
The MoU was signed by YB Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and his Mozambique counterpart, H.E. Prof. Dr. Venancio Massingue at the ministry, witnessed by senior officials from both sides.
The MoU heralds a new beginning for science and technology collaborations between Malaysia and the southeastern African nation by providing a dynamic framework.
While Mozambique will benefit through knowledge, technology and expertise gained from Malaysia, Malaysia would also benefit through the new market opportunities in Mozambique for its ICT and biotechnology products. At present, the two countries have a general umbrella agreement on “economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation” under their respective Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The MoU will provide a mechanism to bring various agencies and research institutions together to address cross-cutting scientific issues while providing mutual scientific, social, and economic benefits.
Specifically, both countries agree to encourage and promote co-operation in the following areas:
(a) joint research, development and design projects, including mutual exchange of research findings, scientific and technical information and documentation;(b) exchange of scientists, specialists and researches participating in the execution of the joint projects; and
(c) joint conferences, symposia, courses, seminars and exhibitions;
The MoU also provides for knowledge sharing and expertise as well as facilitate scientific and technological capabilities for the purpose of advancing the economies of both countries. Both countries will also support the participation of their public and private sectors including universities, institutions, societies and organisations in the joint collaboration projects.
With the MOU signing, a Joint Committee on S&T Co-operation will be established to determine priority areas, plan, coordinate and monitor the bilateral cooperation in science and technology as well as consider proposals for further development of such co-operation;
For a start the Mozambique minister has indicated strong interest to collaborate with Malaysia in three initial projects, which are:
For a start the Mozambique minister has indicated strong interest to collaborate with Malaysia in three initial projects, which are:
a. Establishment of the Industrial Scientific Research Council in Mozambique;
b. Development of Citizen Identification Unique Number for Mozambique citizens; and
c. Establishment of a Limkokwing University in Mozambique.During his working visit to Malaysia from 14 to 17 August 2012 , Prof. Dr. Venancio Massingue is scheduled to visit several MOSTI agencies such as Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and Agro-Biotechnology Institute (ABI) as well as the Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology or MIGHT.
b. Development of Citizen Identification Unique Number for Mozambique citizens; and
c. Establishment of a Limkokwing University in Mozambique.During his working visit to Malaysia from 14 to 17 August 2012 , Prof. Dr. Venancio Massingue is scheduled to visit several MOSTI agencies such as Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and Agro-Biotechnology Institute (ABI) as well as the Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology or MIGHT.
