A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Technical Cooperation, Technology Transfer and Commercialization of Medicinal Plants was signed in Tehran to promote scientific and technical cooperation.
The MOU enables the IORA Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT, based in Tehran, Iran) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP based in Lucknow, India) to undertake joint projects and transfer of scientific information in the field of medical plants.
The signing ceremony on 24 February 2018 was held at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Gholami, the Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology and the IORA Secretary General H.E. Dr. Nokwe. The Indian Delegation was led by Dr. Girish Sahni, CSIR Director General and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and accompanied by Ambassador Mr Sanjay Panda, Joint Secretary Indian Ocean Rim from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Dr Nokwe said “we congratulate India and Iran for signing this noteworthy MOU and welcome shared efforts to advance scientific knowledge and information related to medicinal plants. As an IORA Specialized Agency, the RCSTT acts as an effective enabler for achieving research objectives and strengthening regional cooperation. Likewise, the CSIR is known globally for its cutting edge research and development as the largest research and development organization in India. This collaboration is an example of two IORA Member States working together, with other Member States, for the benefit of the region.”
This was the first international event H.E. Dr Nokwe has attended since assuming the role of IORA Secretary General on 31 January 2018. This reflects the importance that the Association places on the IORA Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer which was created in 2008 Its objective is to promote regional integration and co-operation among the IORA Member States by supporting applied research, networking, technology transfer and commercialization.
During her visit, Dr Nokwe also met with H.E. Dr. Masoumeh Ebtekar, Vice President of Iran for Women and Family Affairs, to discuss promotion of women’s empowerment as well as Dr. Ghobadian, Vice Minister of Industries, Trade and Mines; Dr. Fatemi Amin, Director of Razavi Economic Organization; Dr. Soltani, Director of Innovation and Prosperity Fund; and Dr. Ghaffari, Director of Iran Darouk Pharmaceutical Company.
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