Spain and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in research, technology and innovation, with a view to promoting projects relating to renewable energy and green hydrogen. The MOU was signed by Spain’s Minister for Science and Innovation, Diana Morant, and Chinese Minister for Science and Technology, Wang Zhigang.

This agreement will facilitate the launch of joint projects between businesses, universities and research centres from both countries, while also fostering staff exchanges and the organisation of seminars and other activities.

Broad objectives
Although it directly refers to renewable energy and sustainable hydrogen, the agreement is much more ambitious and aims to address all aspects relating to sustainable cities, smart production and manufacturing technologies, biomedicine and health technologies, clean and environmental technologies, renewable energy, water management and treatment, sustainable agriculture and advanced materials with zero environmental impact.

Spain and China first began working together in science, technology and innovation back in 1985. Since then, the CHINEKA programme —managed in Spain by CDTI— has issued four joint calls to promote technology development and innovation projects.

Fifty years of diplomatic relations
The signing of this agreement comes just four months after Spanish President Pedro Sánchez met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Zhao Leji. The meeting commemorated the 50th anniversary of Spanish-Chinese diplomatic relations.

In line with the high-level meeting, the agreement signed in the field of science, technology and innovation also contributes to relaunching relations between the two countries following the pandemic. It also fosters the Asian country’s relations with the EU at a time when the world is facing various strategic, global challenges that impact international current affairs.

^{Photo: Ministry of Science and Innovation}