Chongqing - The inaugural Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange (BRST), spanning one and a half days, wrapped up in Chongqing, Southwest China, on November 7.

Themed "Together for Innovation Development for All," the conference featured various events, including meetings, discussions, competitions, exhibitions, and tours, all centered on fostering scientific and technological partnerships among governments, cultural and scientific exchanges, and industrial innovation.

The event welcomed close to a thousand participants, including international visitors from over 80 nations and organizations. More than 70 influential figures, academics, and industry experts shared insights across a range of tech topics.

The BRST marked a milestone in technological collaboration, with over 20 bilateral discussions held and 12 technology-related agreements inked. For instance, Chongqing has formalized 15 tech collaboration proposals with countries like Mongolia and Serbia.

The International Science and Technology Cooperation Initiative was announced at the inaugural Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange (BRST) in Chongqing on November 6. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

At the conference, the International Science and Technology Cooperation Initiative was announced, aiming to foster a cooperative international community in science and technology. This initiative emphasizes the importance of respect for scientific advancement, openness, collaboration, equality, inclusivity, and mutually beneficial outcomes.

Additionally, the conference marked the beginning of a targeted program under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) focusing on science, technology, and innovation. This program introduces four main action areas: technologies for sustainable development, support for innovation and entrepreneurship, space information technology, and the utilization of science and technology to combat poverty.

In other developments, the unique strengths of the Chengdu-Chongqing area were fully leveraged, pushing forward eight major tasks, including resource sharing, talent exchanges, and platform buildings.

The next BRST is scheduled to take place in 2025 in China's Sichuan Province.