Minister Bhusal stresses transfer of technologies from developed nations

 Kathmandu, Sept. 17

Dr. Bedu Ram Bhusal, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, has expressed serious concerns over the technological and digital divide between the developed and developing nations, particularly, the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

"We must keep on pushing for the transfer of technologies from the developed nations, which has not materialised even after decades in spite of concrete promises," he said while delivering a statement on behalf of the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in G77 and China Summit in Havana, Cuba on Saturday.

According to the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York, the summit was deliberated on the theme 'Current development challenges: the Role of Science, Technology and Innovation'.

Minister Dr. Bhusal also underlined the need of promoting science, technology and innovations (STIs) through public policies, incorporating them in education systems and encouraging technological entrepreneurship. He called for the cooperation of the global South to implement the Doha Program of Action for the LDCs, which features the development of STIs in LDCs as a key priority.

According to the Nepal Mission in New York, in his address, Minister Dr. Bhusal highlighted the importance of science and technology, including the latest technologies associated with the fourth industrial revolution, for socio-economic development, combatting climate change and fighting against pandemics and other vulnerabilities. 

He also shed light on the development policies and priorities of Nepal, including preparations to graduate from the LDC status.

The Summit adopted the Havana Declaration on “Current development challenges: the Role of Science, Technology and Innovation” as its outcome.

Meanwhile, Minister Dr. Bhusal also had a meeting with Ydael Jesus Perez Brito, Minister for Agriculture of Cuba, in the afternoon on Saturday. In the meeting, they shared views about the agriculture policies and priorities of the sector, focusing on how agriculture production could be increased with the help of mechanization and technology.

Minister Dr. Bhusal had reached Havana on September 14, leading the delegation of Nepal to the Summit, held from15 to 16 September, and is scheduled to leave Havana on September 17.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 September 2023.