Bolivia Creates Space
Agency For Chinese Satellite
LA PAZ - Bolivia said Wednesday it will
create a space agency to manage and execute
a satellite project of Chinese companies to
improve communications in the country.
The Bolivian Space Agency will promote
technology transfer, human resources
training and the application of satellite
communication programs in education,
defense, medicine and detection of climate
phenomena, said Public Works and Services
Minister Walter Delgadillo at a press
conference.
The agency will be formed by representatives
from six ministries that will be appointed
by President Evo Morales, Delgadillo said.
In October 2009, the Bolivian government,
China's Great Wall Industry Corporation and
the International Telecommunication Union
signed a memorandum to construct and set a
satellite in orbit.
Bolivia is investing some 300 million U.S.
dollars in this project.
"This program is very important for Bolivia,
because with the improvement of the
communication system, the development of
production, education, health, detection of
natural phenomena, technology and other
sectors will be boosted," Delgadillo said.
The satellite, "Tupac Katari," is named in
honor of an indigenous leader of
18th-century Bolivia. It is expected to be
in orbit in 2013.
Morales is scheduled to visit China in March
to sign a contract on the construction of
the satellite.
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