Lao Youth Union to cooperate in scientific research

The Ministry of Science and Technology and the Lao Youth Union have signed an agreement on cooperating in the field of scientific research.
The two parties also agreed to work together in the field of science and technology and to share their work to bolster the social science sector.

The online signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was done on Thursday. The agreement was signed by the Secretary-General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union, Dr Alounxay Sounnalath, and the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Dr Boviengkham Vongdara, and the event was joined by senior officials from the ministry and guests.
The cooperation aims to boost the knowledge and capacity of Lao youth to become scientific researchers and to use their knowledge of technology and sciences for national socio-economic development. 
Under the agreement, the two parties will implement the agreed areas of cooperation by joint participation in scientific research projects, workshops, seminars, meetings and conferences on issues of mutual interest.
The two parties will share their experiences in scientific research on issues related to development and science and technology integration in Laos. The Ministry of Science and Technology will assist in training the personnel of the Lao Youth Union and the two sides will also undertake joint projects in sciences and technology.
They will also exchange documents and share in the E-Museum, website and creating scientific applications for Android and IOS mobile phones.
They also agreed to have further discussions and sign more MOUs on agreed areas of cooperation.
Dr Boviengkham said for several years, the government has been supporting all sectors to invest in science and technology as part of the Sciences and Technology Development Strategy for 2025 and Vision 2030. This is also consistent with the 8th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan as science, technology and innovation represent a driving force to achieve development goals by 2020, he said. According to the ministry, the government has placed priority on developing human resources in the science sector.
The ministry’s strategy focuses on developing scientific and technological thought and innovation, development of human resources and building science and technology centres in rural areas.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update May 1, 2020)