The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) recently held series of meetings with the participation of Egyptian and Spanish institutions specialised in research, development and technological innovation.
The meetings came within the framework of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for co-operation signed on 4 July 2016.
Under the terms of the MoU, both sides agreed to launch mutual Calls for Proposals.
Each call aims at launching joint projects of a high international standard between Egyptian and Spanish organizations. Potential projects will be funded by ITIDA and CDTI. Those are the nodal implementing entities from the Egyptian and Spanish sides, respectively.
During a recent visit by the Spanish delegation, the MoU was renewed.
Speaking to The Egyptian Gazette, CDTI director Javier Ponce hailed the “fantastic” relations with Egyptian entities.
“These meetings were important for sharing knowledge and knowing the market better besides opening new horizons for joint cooperation,” Ponce said, citing cyber security and artificial intelligence as areas for future cooperation.
“There are huge areas for cooperation including modern irrigation and environmental domains,” he said, adding: “Since 2016, we have financed more than ten projects jointly between Egyptian and Spanish organisations.”
“We trust in Egyptian organisations and we will do our best to go farther,” he said.
In a related context, Sebastian Pantoja, director of strategic programs division at Telves Corporation, said that such meetings with Egyptian companies help find collaboration opportunities.
“For us, we are very interested in enhancing cooperation in IT. We also work on enhancing cooperation in cyber security field.”
Pantoja said there will be thorough follow-up for the outcomes of these meetings to make an action plan for what can be done in the upcoming period.