ABUJA – The D-8 Secretary-General, Dr Seyed Mousavi, on Wednesday in Abuja expressed the need for all member countries to create jobs through technological initiatives.
Mousavi, made the assertion in Abuja at the 2nd High Council Meeting of D-8 Technology Transfer and Exchange Network (TTEN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that D-8 TTEN is an inter-governmental organisation of 8 countries to which Nigeria is a member with Bangldesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey
Mousavi wa rrepresented at the meeting by Mr Kazi Hasan, Director, Economy Implementation and External Relations of the D-8.
The secretary-general described TTEN as a platform to coordinate and integrate the technological initiatives of the D-8 member states and contribute to networking and economic growth.
“The importance of TTEN for economic development is undeniably crucial and integral to development.
“The acquisition of technology and its diffusion foster productivity and subsequent growth.
“We should take into account that all D-8 countries are heavily populated and creation of employment remains pivotal for every government as one of its national priorities,’’ he said
Mousavi said given that investment in technology was capital intensive, member countries should complement each other in the quest to explore technology for job creation.
He called on member states to provide policies that integrate elements of capacity building, information and knowledge into comprehensive approaches for TTEN cooperation.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s D-8 Commissioner, Ambassador Danjuma Sheni, said one of the objectives of the organisation was to foster economic and technological cooperation among member states.
“Technology enables us to subdue our natural environment for better utilisation of the dormant resources with the aim of adding value to human life.
“In the course of the meeting, delegates should share experiences and challenges.
“They should also discuss the technological capabilities of each member country based on the need to create practical grounds for the exchange of information and skills,’’ Sheni said.
The Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, said the D-8 countries stood to benefit from each other on many grounds.
Moro, who was represented by a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mrs Grace Offor, called on member nations to review the restrictive clauses in Technology Transfer Agreements and explore areas of comparative advantage.
“The linkage between the Academia and industry should be harnessed to, among other things facilitate the evolution of a sustainable national innovation system.
“As a country, Nigeria is grappling with a number of challenges in the areas of technology development and transfer.
“Some of these challenges include funding, a highly fragmented technology transfer system, weak investment and resource use on research and development.
“The technological needs of the global community are not only increasing but are dynamic, especially with the rise in global terrorism, migration and refugee crises,’’ he said.
He therefore, urged the D-8 member countries to unite in order to stand a chance in the global technological advancement. (NAN)
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