New cooperation with Asia in Information and Communication Technologies
A cooperation programme between Europe and Asia in the field of Information Technology and Communications (EU-Asia IT&C) was launched at the IST conference in Vienna on 1 December 1998. It aims at improving technology cross-flows and the quality of partnerships between European and Asian enterprises, especially SMEs. EU-Asia IT&C aims at increasing co-operation between Europe and Asia by improving the information flow and encouraging co-operation in information and communication technologies. The use of European ICT particularly relevant to Asian societies should be stimulated, thereby speeding the integration of Asian countries into the global Information Society. The programme is to run for a period of 5 years beginning in 1999. Currently, Asian participants can come from most South or South-East Asian countries. From Pakistan to the Philippines, the only exceptions are China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Under the programme, task forces may be set up to identify and initiate Information society projects. There can be practical projects demonstrating technologies or projects to link European and Asian initiatives. The programme will also liaise between Asian and European IT&C programmes and offer information and expertise on Asian and European legislative requirements. It will identify and initiate joint R&D programmes. The programme is complementary to other European Commission initiatives in the Asian area, e.g. Asia-Invest, and will also work with the Community Research and Technology Development (RTD) Framework Programme.
Countries
Austria