Scientists from around the world gathered in Beijing for the first Belt and Road Technological Innovation Symposium on Monday. The experts from more than 350 different academic subjects discussed cooperation opportunities in technology.

Scientists from around the world gathered in Beijing for the first Belt and Road Technological Innovation Symposium on Monday.

How do we promote cooperation in technology along the belt and road region? Tat was the question that many experts have in mind as they meet in Beijing. The high-level symposium is co-hosted by science institutions from twelve countries including China, Russia, Pakistan and Poland.

"Countries along the belt and road region face challenges in resources, environment and labour force," said Cao Jinghua, chief, Int'l Cooperation Department, CAAS.

"Technologies can play a huge role in dealing with these issues. We want to build more consensus at this meeting, find key areas for cooperation, and establish a viable mechanism for bilateral consultations.

The two-day symposium will feature discussions onr such topics as climate change, use of anti-biotics and talent cultivation, issues that, experts say, are vital for the vast belt and road region.

"We should cooperate in finding technological solutions to disasters like landslides and infectious diseases. These are all cross-border issues. Building an international monitoring system is important," Cao said.

This is what the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has been doing. Since 2013, the institution has built 14 overseas academic centers and a range of technological cooperation projects across the belt and road countries.