At the invitation of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Prof. Wang Luolin, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) visited India from February 13 to 20.

On February 16, Vice President Wang Luolin met with ICSSR Chairman Dr. V. R. Panchmukhi and signed a MOU on Academic Exchanges between ICSSR and CASS. Firstly, the number of the annual of exchanging scholars would go up from 4 to 6 to strengthen bilateral academic exchanges; Secondly, the two sides would take turns to hold a seminar once every year; Thirdly, to promote exchanges, the two sides would send famous scholars to visit the other country and give lectures; Fourthly, the two sides would set up an academic guidance committee to guarantee the implementation of bilateral cooperation, with Prof. Wang Luolin and Chairman of ICSSR as the Chairman of each side. The committee meeting would be held on annual basis.

During his visit, Vice President Wang had an extensive contact and exchanged views with a good number of Indian social science scholars and experts. He also briefed them on the development and research achievements of Chinese social sciences. Indian scholars showed great interest in cooperating with China and raised some positive suggestions, such as setting up long-term cooperation projects in social sciences between the two sides, strengthening cooperation and exchanges in the research fields of agriculture, infrastructure, urbanization, regional economic development, narrowing the gap between the rich and poor, realizing sex equity and traditional medicine. Vice President Wang responded positively to these proposals and said that the CASS would send 5 experts on economics, humane studies, sociology and international studies to visit India this year.    

(Chinese Embassy in India)