Brussels, 17/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 16 July 2008, the European Commission signed a science and technical cooperation agreement with New Zealand. Once ratified by both parties, it will replace the administrative mechanism signed between the EU and New Zealand in 1991.
Despite the geographical distance, New Zealand's researchers have already successfully participated in research activities in the past under the European Research Framework Programmes. Traditionally New Zealand's participation was particularly accentuated in the area of food, agriculture and biotech. The deal signed on Wednesday will help extend the participation of researchers from New Zealand to other fields of common research interest such as health, the environment and IT. Furthermore it should also facilitate the participation of European researchers in New Zealand's research. Regular meetings of a Joint EC-New Zealand Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (to be created under the agreement) will “help identify common research priorities and areas in which joint research efforts are particularly promising for both parties” explains the Commission. (O.L./transl.fl)