On May 10, CASTED and the National Innovation Advisory Council (NACI) of South Africa held an online meeting to exchange views on the future cooperation between the two sides. The meeting was chaired by Shen Long, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, and attended by Zhang Xu, President of CASTED, Dr. Mlungisi Cele, Acting CEO of NACI, and other relevant personnel from both sides.

Dr. Mlungisi Cele introduced the purpose, role and functions of NACI. According to his introduction, NACI, as a research institute serving the South African Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is mainly engaged in research on science, technology and innovation data, and provides relevant policy recommendations.

President Zhang Xu introduced the overall situation and mission of CASTED, and mainly introduced the research direction of the Institute from eight aspects, including supporting the national science and technology development plan, as well as engaging in research work in innovation theory and innovation system, science and technology industry, regional innovation, cutting-edge technology, talents, and international science and technology relations.

Dr. Sun Yunjie, on behalf of the Institute of Technology Forecasting and Statistical Analysis, introduced the work related to scientific and technological data and innovation surveys.

Minister Counsellor Shen Long expressed his support for the future cooperation between the two sides, and recommended a memorandum of cooperation to deepen cooperation in science and technology policy research and strategic consulting.

The two sides reached an agreement on further cooperation in the future, and are willing to cooperate with bilateral exchanges in science and technology between China and South Africa to promote the next step.