On May 29, 2019, at the Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ), a ceremony was held to launch the 2019 New Zealand-China Scientist Exchange Programme. Ten scientists from renowned Chinese research institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences and China Agricultural University, participated in the launching ceremony. Counsellor Wang Genhua of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, the Chief Executive of the Royal Society of New Zealand Dr Andrew Cleland, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) International Relationships Manager Simon Rae, attended the event and addressed the audience.
In his speech, Counsellor Wang Genhua noted that over the past 47 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and New Zealand have made significant progress in practical cooperation in various fields, including scientific and technological innovation. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern paid a successful visit to China in March this year. During her visit, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment of New Zealand and the Chinese Academy of Sciences signed a memorandum of agreement to strengthen science and research cooperation. Counsellor Wang wished the New Zealand-China Scientist Exchange Programme a complete success, hoping all the visiting scientists to have a safe time in New Zealand. He encouraged the scientists to work closely with New Zealand counterparts to exchange thoughts and stimulate innovative ideas, and contribute to the well-being of the two peoples by advancing cutting-edge scientific research.
Following the launching ceremony, the scientists from China will head to New Zealand research institutions, including the University of Auckland, Otago University and Environmental Science and Research Limited, for a 4-6-week study visit.
The science and technology authorities of China and New Zealand signed the Agreement on New Zealand-China Scientist Exchange Programme in February 2009. Under the agreement, five outstanding young scientists would be selected by each country every year to engage in research work in the other country's research institutions. The agreement was renewed in April 2013, with the number of visiting scholars from each country increasing to ten each year. As at the end of 2018, the two countries have funded a total of 146 exchange scientists. The programme has laid a solid foundation for scientists from both countries to enhance understanding, collaborate in joint research projects and establish and consolidate a long-term relationship in scientific and technological innovation.
