ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): COMSTECH collaboration and China have expanded their collaboration in science, technology, and healthcare through research fellowships, space medicine projects, and traditional medicine initiatives.
The OIC’s Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) has further strengthened its ties with China in science, technology, and healthcare. The action has reinforced international collaboration in these domains.
During a ceremony at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad, Coordinator General Prof. Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary highlighted the growing cooperation between COMSTECH and China in promoting scientific research and innovation in the region.
He commended Prof Dr Xinmin Liu for his 25 years of dedication to Sino-Pakistani scientific cooperation. Dr Liu is a renowned Chinese scientist has been important in training Pakistani researchers. He has played a key role in establishing the Pakistan Centre for Traditional Medicine. In recognition of his significant contributions, he has been awarded the Tamgha-e-Quaid-e-Azam, which is one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours for foreign nationals.
Prof Choudhary has also emphasised that COMSTECH is a major in implementing OIC initiatives in various sectors, including science, technology, health, agriculture, higher education, and climate change. He has also credited Pakistan with bringing China to the OIC as a special representative. This has been a significant step in enhancing international research partnerships.
The scientific and technological collaboration between China and Pakistan today encompasses several fields, including high-tech innovation, traditional medicine, and space research.
A very notable initiative that has taken place in this collaboration is the Seeds in Space Programme. This programme examines how space conditions affect medicinal plants.
Under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), 100 research fellowships have been made available to Pakistani scientists in fields such as precision agriculture, virology, and infectious diseases.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and herbal medicine, China is running clinical trials in Pakistan to register herbal treatments for local use. The Chinese herbal medicine has been used for centuries. Chinese pharmaceutical companies are also exploring opportunities to set up operations in Pakistan. Also, 10 Pakistani doctors are to receive annual training in TCM at leading Chinese universities.
Looking forward, COMSTECH and China plan to deepen their collaboration in space medicine research, higher education, and economic growth through innovation and technology in the region.
