The Department of Science and Technology of east China's Shandong Province and the Scottish Development International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Monday to strengthen their scientific and technological exchanges.

The MOU was a follow-up to an agreement between Shandong and Scotland on the establishment of a friendly and cooperative relationship, signed in 2006. Its aim is to boost scientific cooperation and innovation between universities, scientific research institutions and companies from China and Scotland.

The two sides agreed to explore opportunities to increase exchanges in biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields and short-term training including exchanges of research scientists, training courses and student exchanges.

Lena Wilson, who holds the dual positions of Scottish Enterprise's chief operating officer and the Scottish Development International chief executive officer, said Shandong's advanced production capabilities and large population were very attractive to Scotland's life sciences companies, universities and research institutions.

China and Scotland are currently engaged in several collaborative life sciences projects, including a stem cell research agreement between China's National Center for International Research in Stem Cells and Edinburgh University and a deal between GlycoMar and Shandong Luye Pharmaceutical.

(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2009)