SAARC Ministers meet in Colombo

M. P. Muttiah

The second meeting of Science and Technology Ministers of SAARC countries in Colombo will concentrate on the formulation of a Science and Technology Strategy, promotion of regional and multilateral co-operation, sharing of information on national institutions among other things.

The availability of national training facilities to other member-countries, transfer of technology to end users, establishment of science and technology centres for conducting research and development activities, pooling of scientific and technical expertise, particularly in the area of application and maintenance of equipment are also among the topics that will come up for discussion.

Science and Technology Minister Prof. Tissa Vitarana said the meeting would also discuss the sharing of standards and laboratory testing facilities, formulation of uniform product standards and certifications systems, mutual recognition of laboratory accreditation and harmonization of standards in conformity with the South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO). The themes of co-operation would also include the collaborative efforts for access to new technologies in the field of Nano-technology, Biotechnology and information and communication technology.

SAARC countries would cooperate with each other in technologies for monitoring, early warning, prevention and awareness building for natural disasters, sharing real time information on flow of water and monitoring floods, the Minister said. Professor Vitarana added the meeting would concentrate on sharing of renewable and energy efficient technologies, cooperation in pharmaceutical, traditional and herbal medicines, bio- fertilizer, science and technology for adaptation and mitigation of climate change.