Strengthen cooperation between ECO countries and China to maximize benefits of BRI

by Mariam Raheem
ISLAMABAD, April 7 (Gwadar Pro) – It is crucial to strengthen cross-border cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation education among participating countries of “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI), including the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), so as to maximize the benefits of BRI.
Three corridors of the six major economic corridors of BRI pass through the ECO region, which makes relationship between ECO countries and China very close. In the past 40 years, China has made remarkable progress in poverty eradication, educational progress and economic development. Making full use of the good relationship between the ECO region and China, and joint construction of BRI will bring great benefits to all parties.
The above view was expressed by Prof. Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro, President of ECO Science Foundation in an interview with Gwadar Pro recently. He further maintained that China needs to build the capacity of the ECO region in science, technology and education, which is linked to economic development. This will open up China’s market and promote its business development, which in turn will promote cultural integration.
Youth are the future of the world and 60 percent of Pakistan’s population are young people. ECO Science has provided funding of scientific research at R&D Organizations and Universities, as well as Science Popularization at schools across Pakistan. The significance of promoting youth participation in science, technology and education to promote economic development and peace in the region is self-evident. 
To strengthen the exchanges and cooperation between the young people of China and Pakistan, Dr. Manzoor Soomro stressed that though the infrastructure projects construction under CPEC are essential, investment in Science, Technology and Innovation education/capacity building for youth of B&R countries including Pakistan and other ECO Region is also vital so as the young people are guided in a positive direction.
“China and Pakistan have collaboration in youth engagement programs, science literacy programs and exchanges programs to develop their personal relations and trust.” Dr. Manzoor Soomro further explained that, “The scholarship is a win-win approach and I encourage even stronger youth programs between the two countries. Research comes a bit later but engaging them at an early stage has been proven wisely across the world.” 
ECOSF has carried a great deal of collaboration with China under BRI. ECOSF and Children & Youth Science Center (CYSC) of China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) entered into long term collaboration. CYSC is committed to engaging the public with S&T and inspiring innovation in younger generation through science education programmes and public events with a good component of Climate Change Education. And Belt and Road International Science Education Coordinating Committee (BRISECC) has been formulated at CYSC-CAST. 
As Vice President for Teacher Training, Prof. Manzoor Soomro stated that objective of the BRISECC is to promote coordinated development efforts and common prosperity of international science education through extensive cooperation among government departments, scientific organizations, schools, enterprises & NGOs etc. along the Belt and Road. He is looking forward to more collaboration with Chinese institutions.