(L-R): Wu Yanhua, Deputy Administrator of the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA); Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of the Economy;
Credit: MECO
Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, Étienne Schneider, has signed two cooperation agreements in the space sector between Luxembourg and China which creates a space research centre in the Grand Duchy.
As part of his working visit to Beijing from 15 to 16 January 2018, Minister Schneider has signed two cooperation agreements between Luxembourg and the People's Republic of China.
The cooperation agreement signed on 16 January 2017 between Luxembourg's Ministry of the Economy and the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) sets the framework for developing and implementing scientific, technical, economic and political cooperation between Luxembourg and China with regard to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. Areas of potential cooperation include, but are not limited to, economic, legal, regulatory and technological aspects of the use of space resources.
In addition, Minister Schneider and the National Centre for Space Science (NSSC) signed an agreement to create a research laboratory in Luxembourg to explore space. Attached to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the National Centre for Space Science is the research institute in charge of the planning, launching and operational management of all space science missions.
The laboratory will be established as an independent legal entity in Luxembourg to carry out scientific research and technological development activities in a number of areas, including sectors that contribute to achieving the targets set by the SpaceResources initiative. read. As a first step, the laboratory will employ at least 5 people in Luxembourg.
Bilateral meetings
During his visit to Beijing, Minister Schneider also met with his Chinese counterpart, the Minister of Commerce, Zhong Shan, to take stock of the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries.
The programme also featured meetings with senior officials from China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), whose subsidiary HiWing is the majority shareholder of the Luxembourg-based IEE automotive components company. The Minister also had a meeting with Ant Financial executives who, as the financial arm of the Alibaba Group, manages the Alipay online payment service.
Recognition by Luxembourg of Chinese certificates and certificates for merchant navy officers
During the visit, an agreement was concluded between the two countries for the recognition by Luxembourg of Chinese certificates and certificates for merchant navy officers, thus offering employment opportunities for these officers aboard ships flying Luxembourg flag. The Government Commissioner for Maritime Affairs will from now on issue visas attesting the recognition of the certificates and certificates issued by the Chinese maritime authorities.
