A 11 member delegation from the Thailand’s principal public sector agency responsible for fostering and coordination of research in Science & Technology and also for its application, the Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA), led by its Director Dr (Ms) Napavarn Noparatnaraporn are paying an official visit to the CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat during June 21 to 24.
During the period of their stay in India, the Thai delegation will, among other things, visit various R&D divisions of NEIST to see for themselves the on-going research activities and then at the close of the visit, the delegation will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with CSIR-NEIST for a broad base collaboration for promoting research in Science & Technology between Thailand and India with specific focus on the North East. This visit of Thai officials is viewed by NEIST authorities as most significant because for the first time the signing of MoU between Institutes of two countries are taking place at the Institute particularly at a time when the Institute is celebrating its Golden Jubilee Year. The signing of MoU is probably guided by the philosophy that there are many commonalities exist between the two landmasses – Thailand and NE India, be it climate, the cultural background and the like. Both the places have almost similar socio-economic problems and consequently the solutions which work in Thailand may in all probability work in India too and vice versa.
In this connection, it will be worthwhile to mention here that Thai Princess Her Royal Highness Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, accompanied by the officials of her entourage also paid a visit to NEIST on 3 February, 2009 which subsequently paved the way for this present cooperation between the two countries. It will not be out of place to mention that the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, also paid an official visit to Thailand in recent times to explore the possibilities for cooperation.
The broad areas of cooperation under the MoU will include aspects such as:
1. Both ARDA and NEIST will as far as practicable, exchange research information and experienced researchers with a view to mutually promote research in Science & Technology and related activities between the two countries.
2. Both the institutions will cooperate with each other to jointly organize academic seminars and symposiums to promote research.
3. Both the institutions will encourage personnel to interact to strengthen the working relationships.
4. Both the institutions will work together to promote projects of shared interest.
5. Both the institutions will reciprocally facilitate science based innovation and fact findings resulting into business development activities and so on.
Source: http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/67308.html