April 01, 2002

‘13`

    Scientific relations between India and Indonesia are to be widened and further strengthened following talks between the visiting Indonesian Minister of State for Research and Technology, Mr. M. Hatta Rajasa and the Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, here today. Indonesia expressed keen interest in India’s assistance in areas of Bio-Technology, Information Technology, Chemical Technology, GM crops, Ocean-sat Services, Remote Sensing and Indian Systems of Traditional Medicine.

    Mr. Rajasa’s Scientific Delegation forms a part of the Indonesian Presidential Delegation that had arrived on an official visit to India. Mr. Rajasa told Dr. Joshi that the two countries have age-old close cultural relations and Djakarta wants to expand the relations covering various fields of science and technology. Impressed with the advances made by India in the scientific field, Mr. Rajasa also sought India’s help in IPR protection, Disaster Management and Mitigation especially floods and bio-pesticides. Dr. Joshi told the Indonesian Minister that India can offer cost-effective technology matching with that of the developed world, at a fraction of their cost. In addition, Dr. Joshi also offered assistance to Indonesia in leather technology, BT cotton as well as setting up of small units including some on herbal products.

    Dr. Joshi invited Indonesia to join the G-15 Nations’ Group to strengthen the developing nations’ bargaining power so as to meet the challenges of globalization.