Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday identified science and technology were key areas of cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, adding that skill development is essential for economic development of the region.
"Science and technology and education are important areas of cooperation. We should think ambitiously of what we can do in Renewal Energy and Energy efficiency. Let us think of a major ASEAN India Solar Project for research, manufacturing and deployment. Space science can give us benefit in many sectors. We should quickly establish the new India-ASEAN Space-related Ground Station in Vietnam and start the project for upgrading the existing station in Indonesia," the Prime Minister said while addressing the 12th India-ASEAN Summit here.
"Skill development is essential for creating employment opportunities for our youth and for our economic development. We should collaborate by sharing our respective areas expertise in skill development," he added.
During the summit, Prime Minister Modi also invited the ASEAN nations to participate in the 'Smart Cities' project, adding that both parties are experiencing urbanisation at a rapid pace.
"ASEAN and India have large cities and are experiencing urbanization at a rapid pace. This is both a challenge and opportunity. Come and participate in building India's 100 smart cities and renewal of 500 cities," he said.
"As neighbours, India and ASEAN can gain a lot from cooperation in the disaster risk reduction, response and management. India is prepared to offer full assistance in capacity building, coordination and response in the region," the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Modi also identified agriculture and food security as areas of cooperation between India and the ASEAN nations.
"Agriculture and food security is another area where I see great potential for cooperation, as some of you have mentioned. We should further enhance our cooperation in health, including traditional medicine, climate change and environment and forests," he said.
"We should move quickly towards mutual Recognition of Degrees. We should conduct more research and exchanges on our ancient links and how our shared heritage can be of use to the modern world. I personally lay great emphasis on people-to-people contacts. I would like to see increased contacts between students, youth, teachers, parliamentarians, diplomats, media, farmers, artists and experts," the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Modi is in Myanmar as part of his 10-day trip to three nations. During his trip, he also scheduled to participate in the East Asia Summit (EAS) here and the G-20 Summit in Brisbane.
