Congo Town, Monrovia – Scientific and technical innovation is the primary driver of human society’s progress and a crucial tool for tackling global issues. Currently, a fresh wave of industrial transformation and scientific and technology revolution is changing the worldwide innovation scene and the global economic system.
As the leaders of the global industrial transformation and scientific and technological revolution, digital technology and the digital economy are becoming more and more integrated into the process of economic and social development.
The trend of the global economy going digital is becoming unavoidable. As human society confronts more significant issues than ever before, there is a greater need than ever for international collaboration, transparency, and sharing of science and technology, Chinese ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu noted.
The summit focuses on science and technology legislation, digital infrastructure development, and digital applications in healthcare, education, and finance, in addition to the promotion of deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy, which is particularly important and modern.
It is a perfect example of Liberia’s strategic vision to use the opportunities provided by the next cycle of industrial transformation and scientific and technological revolution to speed up the implementation of its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
China places a high value on the advancement of science and technology, according to Yin Chengwu, the Chinese ambassador to Liberia. “China is dedicated to self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology and encourages innovations that defy imagination through its talent-driven development strategy. China is home to the greatest number of scientists, engineers, and full-time equivalent R&D staff in the world, as well as a large number of excellent workers and entrepreneurs.”
According to the 2024 Global Innovation Index, China ranks 11th in the world for both patent applications and R&D investment, making it the second largest country in the world. Over 40% of “lighthouse factories” are located in China, making it the country with the most of these facilities worldwide.
There are 71 unicorns in the artificial intelligence space, which makes up about one-third of the global market. China is a global leader in developing sectors such as new energy, sophisticated materials, and next-generation IT. It helps with global digital transformation and the green transition while also promoting economic reform and upgrading at home. Through the utilization of scientific and technological advancements, China is making a growing contribution to global peace and progress.
China also encourages open, equitable, fair, and nondiscriminatory international collaboration in science and technology, works to advance science for the benefit of all people, regardless of national boundaries, and collaborates to create a global science and technology community. China will establish a global scientific research fund, increase its provision of scientific and technological aid to developing nations, share its creative accomplishments with other nations, and permit scientific and technological advancements to benefit all people.
Notably, at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation’s (FOCAC) Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Beijing Summit, which ended last month, China promised to strengthen cooperation with Africa in priority areas like artificial intelligence, science and technology, green industries, and e-commerce and e-payments.
Science and technology innovation and cooperation would serve as a new engine of China-Liberia strategic partnership. “May I offer the following proposals for further advancing bilateral sci-tech collaboration.”
First, engaging in strategic policy dialogue on ICT development frameworks, and collaboratively addressing global challenges such as cyber security.
Second, exploring cooperation in areas ranging from smart agriculture, digital education, e-health, e-governance to digital transformation of traditional industries, therefore advancing industrial upgrading and value addition, and contributing to socio-economic progress.
Third, enhancing collaboration within multilateral frameworks including the International Telecommunication Union, fostering synergy in capacity-building programs, telecommunications connectivity, and innovation hub development, among other priority areas.
Fourth, strengthening cooperation of empowering women and youth in science and technology, encouraging business-to-business exchanges and cooperation.
“The growth of science and technology in Liberia will be characterized by obstacles as well as limitless opportunities. China will collaborate with Liberia as a reliable partner, adhering to the values of “sincerity, real results, amity and good faith” and “extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit” in order to usher in a new era of friendship and collaboration between the two countries” the ambassador maintained.
