The CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology here will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Arda), Thailand, to carry out joint research for development of the northeastern region.
Arda is Thailand’s principal public sector agency responsible for fostering and co-ordinating research in science and technology and its application.
An 11-member delegation, led by agency director Napavarn Noparatnaraporn, is on a four-day official visit to the institute.
The head of information and business relations at the institute, B.C. Saikia, said during their stay in India, the Thai delegation will, among other things, visit various R&D divisions of the institute to see the ongoing research activities for themselves. At the end of the visit, the delegation will sign a memorandum of understanding for a broad base collaboration to promote research in science and technology between Thailand and India with specific focus on the Northeast.
“The visit by the Thai officials is being considered most significant by the institute authorities. This is because, for the first time, an MoU will be signed between institutes of the two countries, especially at a time when our institute is celebrating its golden jubilee year,” Saikia said.
He said the two countries had many things in common, be it climate or cultural background. The two regions also faced almost similar socio-economic problems and consequently, solutions that worked in Thailand may, in all likelihood, work in India too and vice-versa.
Broad areas of co-operation under the agreement will include aspects like exchange of research information and experienced researchers with a view to mutually promote research in science and technology and related activities, co-operate to jointly organise academic seminars and symposiums to promote research.
encourage personal interaction to strengthen working relationships, promote projects of shared interest. Both the institutions will reciprocally facilitate science-based innovation and fact-findings, resulting in business development activities and so on.