development projects
8 September 2006
The third India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) meeting of Ministers of
Science and Technology was held in Angra do Reis, Brazil earlier this week. The
Science and Technology Ministers from the three countries signed an agreement
to create a seed fund of R7 million annually in each country to support
research and development projects that have potential for industrial
applications and are of mutual interest.
Minister Kapil Sibal, from India, Minister Dr Sergio Rezende, from Brazil
and Minister Mosibudi Mangena, from South Africa agreed to create an IBSA
intellectual property platform capable of enhancing the competitive advantage
of the three countries. The platform will also aim to convert the intellectual
property into design and development of specialised products.
The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that science and
technology is included in the broader IBSA agenda. In this regard they agreed
that the Minister of Science and Technology of Brazil will represent the group
at the IBSA summit on 11 - 13 September, in Brazil.
The mechanism and the implementation of this agreement will be finalised
within the next six months.
Enquires:
Nhlanhla Nyide
Chief Director: Science Communication
Cell: 082 871 6767
Email: nhlanhla.nyide@dst.gov.za
Nelvis Qekema
Ministerial Liaison
Cell: 082 571 2571
Email: nelvis.qekema@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Ministry of Science and Technology
8 September 2006
Source: SAPA
