Agreement between
the Government of the Republic of Latvia and
the Government of the People's Republic of China
on Cooperation in the field of Science and Technology

The Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the People's Republic of China, hereinafter referred to as the Parties,

RESOLVED to strengthen the bilateral friendship, to promote scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries,

RECOGNIZING the need to develop science and technology and its importance to economic growth,

Have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The purpose of the Agreement is to strengthen scientific and technological research, to establish and broaden relations between the research communities in both countries and to promote scientific and technological cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Article 2

In consideration of needs and possibilities of the two countries, the Parties agree to commit themselves to develop scientific and technological cooperation, as follows:

1. Exchanging researchers and experts to learn achievements in science, technology, and production, disseminate knowledge, exchange experiences and deliver lectures;

2. Encouraging research institutions, higher education institutions and enterprises to launch cooperation in research, technological innovation and product development, with regard to the projects of common interest;

3. Jointly funding the scientific and technological research, development and innovation projects in the areas of common interest, according to the principle of reciprocity and available funding resources of each of the Parties;

4. Organizing and participating in academic conferences, seminars, symposiums, training courses and exhibitions;

5. Exchanging scientific and technological information, ideas, literature, publications, materials, and equipment;

6. Applying other forms of research and technological cooperation as may be mutually agreed upon by the Parties, such as establishing joint lab or joint research center.

Article 3

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China shall be responsible for the implementation of the Agreement.

Article 4

The Parties agree to establish a Joint Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The Committee shall be responsible for tracing the development of scientific and technological cooperation between the Parties, monitoring the implementation of the present Agreement. The Committee shall be in charge of promoting and coordinating and defining the contents and modalities of the cooperation. The Committee shall hold meetings, whenever necessary, alternately in Latvia and China. The meeting dates, venue and composition shall be fixed through diplomatic channels.

Article 5

Intellectual property rights arising from cooperation under the present Agreement shall be settled by agreements between the Parties, in accordance with the existing laws and regulations of both countries.

Article 6

Both Parties guarantee that the technological materials and information provided mutually in accordance herewith or the achievements of the scientific and technological cooperation based hereon shall not be transferred to any third party if without written consent of the other Party.

Article 7

All persons sent to the other country with regard to the implementation of the present Agreement are under the obligation to respect the laws and regulations in force of the other country.

Article 8

Any disputes between the Parties concerning the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be settled by friendly consultations and negotiations.

Article 9

This Agreement may be amended on the basis of mutual written consent of both Parties. Such amendments are integral part of this Agreement and shall enter into force in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 10 of this Agreement.

Article 10

1. This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of signature and shall remain in force for a period of five (5) years. It shall thereafter be automatically renewed for successive periods of five (5) years unless terminated in writing through diplomatic channels by either Party six months prior to the expiry of five (5) year period.

2. Projects initiated prior to the termination of the present Agreement shall be continued until completion regardless of the termination, and the Article 6 hereof shall continue to be effective.

Done in duplicate in Beijing on 18^th September 2018, in Latvian, Chinese and English language, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.