The first session of the “Ministerial Forum of Science and Technology” was successfully held in the CHTF 2003. Ministers of Science and Technology of different countries held in-depth discussions relating to the issues of “government’s role as an impetus pushing forward the development of high technology and economy”, and jointly made the “Shenzhen Declaration by Ministers of Science and Technology”, proposing that ministers of Science and Technology of nations across the world participate in the China Hi-Tech Fair and the “Ministerial Forum of Science and Technology”, to enhance the prospects for fostering mutually beneficial international exchange and cooperation in science and technology.

    Shenzhen Declaration

    By Ministers of Science and Technology

    We, Ministers of Science and Technology of different countries, attending the “Ministerial Forum of Science and Technology” of the China Hi-tech Fair 2003 in the new modern city of Shenzhen in China, a country with long and rich history, are committed to promoting mutually beneficial international exchange and cooperation in science and technology on a more extensive basis.

    The China Hi-Hech Fair (CHTF) has been held every autumn in Shenzhen since 1999. The CHTF showcases the Chinese hi-tech sector and provides an opportunity for the world to witness the development in high and new technologies in China. This makes it an important venue for science and technology exchanges and for enhancing cooperation in science and technology between different countries in the world.

    It is our common belief that the convening of the “Ministerial Forum of Science and Technology” during the CHTF and making it a regular part of the CHTF programme is a positive step towards enhancing the prospects for fostering mutually beneficial international exchange and cooperation in science and technology. We have therefore agreed after discussion to recommend that a “Ministerial Forum of Science and Technology” be held in Shenzhen every year during the CHTF to discuss the international trends of development in science and technology and exchange views on different countries’ polices of science and technology so as to promote cooperation and exchange among countries in this field. We are confident that it will become a valuable forum for governments, business organizations, science and technology circles and non-governmental organizations.

    Let us push forward international development in science and technology with innovative thinking. And let us join hands in building an even brighter future for mankind with advanced science and technology.

    Mr. Ma Songde, Vice Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology, P.R.China

    Prof. Dr. Mofid Shehab, Minister of Higher Education and of State for Scientific Research, Egypt

    Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science and Innovation, U.K.

    Mr. Andrey S. Koulagin, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry，Science and Technologies of the Russian Federation