Exchanges and Mutual Learning Pave China's Innovative Path Powered by Technologies and Innovation

On August 15, more than ambassadors and other diplomats accredited to China from over 10 countries gathered with representatives from various industries at the Chang'an Pilot International Innovation Talent Exchange Center, where they attended the "Ancient Meets Modern: Falling for Shaanxi at First Sight" Sharing Session with Diplomats of the Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation (Xi'an). Among the diplomats are Luamanuvae A. Mariner, Ambassador of Samoa to China; Sergio Fausto Cabrera Cardenas, Ambassador of Colombia to China; Robert Lee, Ambassador of Fiji to China; and Pedzisai Peter Mwayera, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Zimbabwe in China. Sci-tech elites and representatives from prominent sci-tech innovation enterprises discussed major plans for international cooperation, centered on science and technologies, underscoring China's determination to build an open and inclusive ecosystem for sci-tech innovation.

A photo taken during the event

The Chang'an Pilot Industry Innovation Center is located in Xi'an. In fields such as aerospace, life science, artificial intelligence, and physical science, it has succeeded in matching resources with needs, with adequate capabilities and services. With foci on future-oriented technologies and breakthroughs in emerging industries, the Center has been leveraging Xi'an's abundant sci-tech resources and strong innovation capacity, aimed at fostering new industries, models, and driving forces through sci-tech innovation. It also strives to develop a novel innovation consortium for the new quality productive forces characterized by advanced technologies, high efficiency, and high quality.

Before the event, the diplomats visited the micro-exhibition area of enterprises based at the Chang'an Pilot Industry Innovation Center. The showcase of groundbreaking achievements from 24 participating companies in fields such as artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and new materials drew their close attention.

Diplomats observing an intelligent patrol robot dog at the micro-exhibition area

Koo Ji-young, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China, interacting with a robot

At the exhibition, an AI-based medical imaging diagnostic system, new aerospace materials and more not only mirrored China's sci-tech strength but also introduced cooperation models for the Belt and Road partner countries, bearing witness to Xi'an's transformation from a historic city into a modern hub of science and technologies. Adama Kone, Defence Attaché of the Embassy of Côte d'Ivoire in China, paused at almost every booth, marveling at the appeal of sci-tech products. Luamanuvae A. Mariner, Ambassador of Samoa to China, even "placed an order" for a low-frequency electrotherapy device, showing strong interest in biomedical products.

Diplomats guided by staff workers in the exhibition area

Luamanuvae A. Mariner, Ambassador of Samoa to China, in the exhibition area

During the section for keynote reports, experts and scholars identified key points for cooperation, emphasizing the need to strengthen basic research and industrial application in the fields of artificial intelligence and life science, promote the integration of culture and technologies, and deepen multi-dimensional cooperation in personnel exchanges, knowledge sharing, and joint research, among other aspects. Later, the "Chang'an Pilot Overseas Elite Talent Recruitment Program" was officially launched, aimed at injecting fresh momentum into the cooperation model of "attracting talent through talent, and pooling wisdom through wisdom".

During the salon discussion, the participating guests outlined clear pathways for future sci-tech cooperation from four perspectives, including media insight, diplomatic resources, industrial matchmaking, and market expansion.

Salon discussion

As a saying goes: "As talent makes achievements, enterprises thrive through talent." Talent lies at the heart of innovation. During the "Diplomatic Night for Sci-Tech Innovation Talent under Belt and Road Initiative", an evening section of the event, representatives from sectors including taxation, arbitration, and finance shared professional insights and promoted their innovative products. Nine technology enterprises presented project roadshows, engaging in in-depth exchanges with diplomats and industrial experts to create opportunities for cooperation.

The event fully demonstrated China's resolution in open innovation. Going forward, China will continue to carry out the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan for deepening openness and cooperation in sci-tech domains. In addition, China will work with all other countries around the world to tap into innovation potential, and ensure that more people can benefit from sci-tech achievements. The country aims to inject strong sci-tech momentum into the high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and into building a community with a shared future for humanity.