Agreement signed on research collaboration

摘要

Cooperation on research between the EU and New Zealand will be developed more regularly following the signing, on 16 July, of a scientific and technical cooperation agreement. Despite the geographical distance, New Zealand's researchers have already successfully participated in research activities under the EU research framework programmes, particularly in the areas of food, agriculture and biotechnology. The agreement will help to extend this participation to other fields of common research interest such as health, environment and IT. Furthermore, it should also facilitate the participation of European researchers in New Zealand's research activities. A joint committee on scientific and technological cooperation will be created to identify common research priorities and areas in which joint research efforts are particularly promising. This agreement, which replaces the administrative arrangement concluded between the two parties in 1991, will enter into force once the ratification procedures by the parties have been completed, which is expected by the end of this year.