Examining co-operation in innovative sectors

TUNIS - Secretary of state in charge of scientific research and technology Ridha Ben  Mosbah conferred, on Friday in Tunis, with Messrs. Pierre Lapointe, director-general of the Quebec National Scientific Research Institute (INRS) and Pierre Bélanger, director of international development of "Lyon Biopôle," with attendance of several officials from Tunisian technological poles.

The meeting allowed to examine scientific and technological co-operation relations between the two countries and means likely to further promote them and diversify them, notably as part of partnership with the Sidi Thabet technological park specialised in biotechnology, medical and pharmaceutical researches.

Means to promote post-doctoral training and boost exchanges of mutual interest were also reviewed.

Mr. Pierre Lapointe voiced hope to boost co-operation and promote mutual interest programmes, shedding light on his country's experience in the field of setting up technopoles and the successful experience of INRS, as part of the Laval pole, in Canada, which allowed, he said, this experience to become a model worth following and to promote innovative activities in the medical and pharmaceutical fields.

Messrs. Pierre Lapointe and Pierre Bélanger visited several national research establishments, getting acquainted with Tunisia's experience in this field.

On this occasion, they voiced their interest in projects under achievement and the Tunisian skills' good level.

TAP