Deputy Prime Minister Budimir Aleksić convened a meeting in Beijing with the Minister of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, Yin Hejun.

Minister Hejun, expressing his appreciation for the visit, mentioned his awareness of DPM Aleksić’s participation in The 4th China-CEEC Expo in Ningbo, noting that these endeavors signify a new chapter in enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the realms of science, technology, and education.

Hejun emphasized innovation as a fundamental component of national development. He pointed out China’s substantial investment in research and development, which constitutes 2.68% of its GDP, and its noteworthy 11th-place standing in the Global Innovation Index. He highlighted that China collaborates in science and technology with 160 countries, possessing formal agreements with 109. The agreement with Montenegro was established in May 2011, and since then, four sessions of the Intergovernmental Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation have occurred. Hejun underscored the importance of further exploring collaboration opportunities between the two countries, especially within the framework of the China-CEEC platform. He announced that the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Committee is set to take place in Montenegro later this year.

DPM Aleksić, expressing gratitude to Minister Hejun for the warm welcome, affirmed that this initiative and the work of the Intergovernmental Committee provide a significant platform for enhancing future cooperation—particularly through the exchange of professors, students, researchers, and experts. He recalled that following the 2011 agreement, three joint calls for co-financing scientific and technological cooperation between Montenegro and China have been successfully executed.

He further proposed that the Chinese side consider aiding the establishment of specialized laboratories—especially science and technology parks—and providing donations of learning equipment for Chinese language studies to primary and secondary schools in Montenegro. Aleksić stressed the necessity for more intensive scientific collaboration through the organization of scientific conferences, professional development sessions, and the exchange of ideas and experts.

Minister Hejun voiced strong support for continued collaboration in fields such as medicine, healthcare, technology, natural sciences, lab infrastructure, and educational donations.

The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of Montenegro to the People’s Republic of China, Branko Bulatović.

During his visit, Deputy Prime Minister Aleksić additionally took the opportunity to visit the Embassy of Montenegro in Beijing.