The CSIRO and the Chinese Government have signed an agreement designed to strengthen the relationship between research laboratories in Australia and China.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed today by the federal minister for education, science and training Julie Bishop and the Chinese minister for science and technology, Xu Guan Hua.

The agreement will enable CSIRO to work directly with research laboratories under the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology system. It will also enable CSIRO and Chinese national research centres to seek joint funding for proposals from sources outside of China and Australia.

CSIRO has undertaken over 140 projects in China since 1980, with more than $24 million invested in joint projects between CSIRO and 170 Chinese organisations on a range of collaborations.

"The close relationship between Australia and China is vital to both our countries," Bishop said. "The signing of this MoU will further strengthen the science and technology relationship between Australia and China."

Xu Guan Hua, is visiting Australia from 13-21 February 2006 as a guest of the Australian Government. Earlier this week he signed an MoU with the NSW government to help foster collaborative relationships between science and technology parks and commercial enterprises.

Australia-China fund

Applications for the Australia-China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation have opened. Established in 2001 and renewed last year, each country provides support of up to AUD$500,000 per year for research projects between Australia and China in agreed priority areas. The fund has 19 active projects and a further seven under contract negotiation. To date, 11 projects have been finalised.

Meanwhile, the first round of the Australia-China Young Scientist Exchange Programme, will run in mid-2006, following a letter of intent which was also signed last year. The scheme aims to enhance knowledge of science policy in each country and promote lasting links between researchers. Eight Chinese scientists will be placed in Australian institutions for a period of two weeks. Australian researchers will travel to China in 2007.

The Australia-China Special Fund and the Australia-China Young Scientist Exchange Programme are part of the International Science Linkages programme, an initiative of the $8.3 billion Backing Australia's Ability package.