The two sides have established new priority areas and committed to a joint action programme following a meeting in Beijing.
Portugal and China agree new framework for scientific cooperation
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Portugal and China have agreed on five priority areas for scientific and technological cooperation, including energy, health, and the blue economy, following a high-level meeting in Beijing.
Fernando Alexandre, Portugal’s science and education minister, and Yin Hejun, China’s science and technology minister, signed a joint declaration at the conclusion of the Joint Committee on Science and Technology’s first meeting since 2019.
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According to Portuguese media reports, the renewed dialogue marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, reinforcing the foundation for ongoing Portugal and China scientific cooperation in the years ahead.
The newly established priorities span several critical sectors. These cover oceans and the blue economy; energy, climate, batteries, and hydrogen; agriculture, the bioeconomy, and food; health, healthy ageing, and medical technologies; and the application of science to preserve cultural heritage.
Portugal and China: advancing scientific cooperation
Looking forward, both nations have committed to developing a joint action programme for science and innovation starting in 2027. This initiative will provide a structured framework for bilateral collaboration through to 2030, ensuring steady progress and measurable outcomes.
In addition to research priorities, Alexandre noted that Portugal submitted a proposal for the mutual recognition of academic degrees, which Chinese authorities agreed to examine.
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He described this initiative as crucial to deepening academic ties between the two countries. The proposed agreement aims to establish academic equivalence between Portuguese and Chinese bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Technical meetings to advance these academic and research goals are planned for 2027. Furthermore, Portugal could host the committee’s 11th meeting in 2028, continuing the positive momentum generated by the latest engagement.
