During their visit to Amman, following the signature of the agreement on cooperation in Science and Technology 2008, between the government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the head of the Chinese delegation Mr. XU Chaoqian, Deputy Director General and Mr. XU Jie /the Director of Division of Asia & Africa, were received by Dr. Khaled Elshuraydeh, the Secretary General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST).

Dr. Elshuraydeh mentioned that HCST recognizes science, technology and innovation as the drivers of national economic development and key contributors to water, energy and food security, the top R&D priorities of the Kingdom that were defined for the coming ten years. He pointed out the role of the HCST in ratifying Science and Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy, providing necessary funding for research and development (R&D) projects and directing R&D activities towards developmental priorities. Elshuraydeh added that HCST is also entrusted with the establishment of research centers whenever needed.

According to Dr. Elshuraydeh, the Higher Council has prepared the final draft of the National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy & Strategy in Jordan for the years 2012-2016. The STI policy and strategy has been recently drafted with the contribution of delegates from ministries and other governmental institutions alongside representatives from the private sector, universities and scientific research centers.

On turn, Mr. XU Chaoqian presented the national science and technology policy in China. The two parties exchanged the views on implementing science and technology agreement to promote cooperation in the main national priorities between the two countries (water, energy, food and health).