NAIROBI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The China-Africa partnership in scientific research, engineering and innovations that has flourished in recent times has unleashed benefits on both sides, a Chinese official said on Wednesday.
Yan Wang, a Senior Specialist at the National Institute of Educational Sciences noted that Beijing has forged strategic collaboration with African allies to advance scientific and technological progress in the world's second largest continent.
"The Chinese government has prioritized scientific and technical collaboration with African countries and this is one area that has a promising future," Yan told Xinhua late on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 4th Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) Forum held in Nairobi.
Supported by the World Bank, China and other emerging economies, PASET was launched in 2013 to promote applied sciences, technology and innovations in Africa.
Yan noted the initiative has provided a platform for China and African countries to share expertise that is required to boost scientific research and vocational training.
"Bilateral cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has provided Africa's youth with lifelong skills and stable income sources," said Yan.
She revealed that China and the World Bank would jointly host the Africa Forum on Science and Technology in Higher Education to be held in July in Beijing.
"More than sixty African university chancellors and directors of centers of excellence have been invited to the July forum that will also include field trips and high level policy dialogue on science and technology," Yan told Xinhua.
China and African countries should advance collaboration in research and development (R&D) alongside man power development to achieve mutual benefits.
Yan said that African states could harness Chinese experience and expertise to transform key sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, health and energy.
"China has vast experience in manufacturing and has pioneered innovative practices that can be replicated in Africa to drive economic growth," said Yan.
