KATHMANDU, Sept 18: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Bedu Ram Bhusal, has stressed the need for transferring technologies from the developed nations to the developing and underdeveloped ones.

"We must keep on pushing for the transfer of technologies from the developed nations, which has not materialized even after decades in spite of concrete promises," he insisted.

Minister Dr Bhusal said this while delivering a statement on behalf of the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in G77 and China Summit in Havana, Cuba under the theme 'Current development challenges: the Role of Science, Technology and Innovation' on Saturday. He also underlined the need of promoting science, technology and innovation (STIs) through public policies, incorporating them in education systems and encouraging technological entrepreneurship, according to a press release issued by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, New York.

The minister called for the cooperation of the global South to implement the Doha Program of Action for the LDCs, which features the development of STIs in LDCs as a key priority.  Dr Bhusal also shed light on the development policies and priorities of Nepal, including preparations to graduate from the LDC status.

In his address, he highlighted the importance of science and technology, including the latest technologies associated with the fourth industrial revolution, for socio-economic development, combating climate change and fighting against pandemics and other vulnerabilities.  Bhusal expressed serious concerns over the technological and digital divide between the developed and developing nations, particularly, the LDCs.

The Summit adopted the Havana Declaration on 'Current development challenges: the Role of Science, Technology and Innovation' as its outcome.

Similarly, the visiting minister also had a meeting with Minister for Agriculture of Cuba, Ydael Jesus Perez Brito, on Saturday afternoon. In the meeting, they shared views about the agriculture policies and priorities of the sector, focusing on how agriculture production could be increased with the help of mechanization and technology.

The minister also congratulated his counterpart for successfully holding the Summit and thanked him for the hospitality, the statement added.

Minister Bhusal had reached Havana on September 14, leading the delegation of Nepal to the Summit, held from September 15 to 16. He left Havana on Sunday.

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