\ MEMORANDUMOF UNDERSTANDING bet ween The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh and The International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Philippines for Scientific and Technical Cooperation i n Research on Rice and Rice-Based Cropping Systems This Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) is between the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), with the concurrence of the Government of tlie People’s Republic of Bangladesh (the Government). Preamble BRRI was established by tlie Government through Act No. X of the Parliament of Bangladesh on 30“’ June 1973. BRRI’s main objectives are to conduct research on all aspects of rice for generating and demonstrating improved agricul t u r d technologies and to train extension personnel and farmers for sustainable increases in rice production. I t has its own Board of Management chaired by its Director General, ex-oflicio. BRRI is responsible to the Ministry of Agriculture and is dependent upon the Government for the bulk of its funding I t presents its budgetary requests to the Government through the hlinistry of Agricul tiire for approval IRRI is a private. nonprofit internaticinal organimtion with headquarters at ,os I3anoq. Republic of the I’hilippines. IRRI’s objcctiises are to generate and clisseminatc icc-related Lnowledge and technology of short- and long-term environmental, socid. and economic hcncfit. and to help enhance national rice 1 csearch yrstenis. It receives its financial suppoi-t m:iinl! lioni the Conwltativc Ciioiip of lntei national lqyiciiltural Rcsearch (C(;IAR) coniposcd or iiiiiiicroiis national governments (including Bangladesh), international organizations and private foundations. Its programme has two broad categories: the “core programme” consisting of research and training on all aspects of rice within rice-based cropping systems conducted at Los Banos or elsewhere; and the “country programme” consisting of technical assistance to and professional cooperation with National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in major rice growing countries. The financial support received by IRRI from the CGIAR is mostly restricted for core programmes implemented at its headquarters or elsewhere in collaboration with NARS and other local agencies. Country programmes are involved primarily with institutional development activities and these have been and will continue to be dependent on special project support. IRRI has maintained a technical assistance and professional cooperation relationship with BRRI since it was established. Initially, this cooperation was supported entirely by grants made to IRRI by the Ford Foundation.. Other donor agencies subsequently joined the Ford Foundation, providing additional financial support for the benefit of BRRI. These include the Australian Government through ADAB (the Australian Development Assistance Bureau), the Canadian Government through CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency), and the United States Government through USAID (United States Agency for International Development). Until June 1993, USAID and CIDA provided funds for the BFUU-IRRI Rice Research and Training Project. Through this project, a resident IRFU liaison scientist was posted in Bangladesh upto June 1993. In recent years, research collaboration between BRRI and IRRI has substantially increased -- this represents a collegial relationship between the two developed and mature research institutions. < From 1” January 1998, with the financial support of the BRRI component of the Agricultural Research Management Project (ARMP-IDA Cr. No. 2815 BD), a resident IRRI Representative in Bangladesh has been posted for two (2) years to enhance and promote scientific and technical collaboration between BRRI and IRRI, to provide liaison functions with BRRI, BARC and other concerned institutions, and to support the rice-wheat systems research. A part (25%) of the IRRI Representative’s expenses and the cost of the regional component of the rice-wheat systems activities of the Representative are contributed by IRRI core budget. BRRl and IRRI will jointly seek needed resources to continue the IRRI Representative’s activities in Bangladesh after the present arrangement that will end on 3Ist December 1999. Term The term of this MOU will be six years starting on 1” December 1997 and ending on 30“’ November 2003. Extension of this term, if any, will be considered at least six months before the expiration date. Overall Obiectives It is the overall objective of BRFU and the Government that BRRI should contribute towards greater rice production and food security in Bangladesh effectiveness. with increasing It is the overall objective of IRRI to continue to carry out collaborative research with BRRI and support BRRI efforts to develop its scientific staff by providing opportunities for short- and long-term training, relationships with other and opportunities for development of collegial NARS and International Agricultural Research Centres (IARCs) through networking. Both BRRI and IRRI agree to collaborate with universities and other research and development institutions of the Government and non-Government sectors in order to enhance research focus and effectiveness, and to disseminate research results. Through its work in Bangladesh, IRRI expects to also enhance its programme goals of securing increased rice production and food security on a global basis. BRRI implements its research through short- and long-term plans for rice and rice-based farming systems in order to generate technology to meet the national goal for increased food production and food security. Seasonal work plans are reviewed and approved by ‘4 ’ ’ appropriate BRRI multidisciplinary research programme committees and a comprehensive annuai internal review evaluates progress and the overall research plans for the following year. BRRI’s continued need for collaboration with IRRI during the term of this MOU calls for the assignment of a resident senior rice scientist to establish 3 and maintain enhanced partnership of IRRI with BRRI and other concerned institutions in Bangladesh, and to facilitate the implementation of approved collaborative research and training programmes. Other IRRI scientists may be deputed to Bangladesh for specific areas of research and periods of service on bases determined jointly by BRRI and IRRI. (d) For financial support of the above mentioned (a), (b), (c) activities, IRRI will provide funds from its core funds or special project funds provided from donor sources to support mutually agreed collaborative activities as have been identified in IRRT’s 1998- 200 1-Rolling Medium Term plan. BRRI may in cooperation and consultation with IRRI develop detailed project proposals for the consideration of donor agencies with the concurrence of GOB. (e) The scale of collaborative work between BRRI and IRRI will be determined by joint evaluation from time to time of BRRI’s needs, IRRI’s capacity and effectiveness in meeting the agreed needs, and available financial support. BRRI and IRRI will continue to collaborate in mutually beneficial research through specific research experiments, exchange of rice genetic materials and research information, scientific training, and short educational visits by scientists. Status, Privileges and Responsibilities of IRRI and its Expatriate Staff in Bangladesh (1) Such IRRI personnel as are attached to BRRI from time to time will be entitled to the concessions as admissible under Customs Notification Nos. SROs 13l/D/Cus/74 and 132/D/Cus/74, dated 14 March 1974 as amended from time to time and subject to the conditions as laid down therein. (2) The salaries and other emoluments drawn from outside Bangladesh by foreign staff members of IRRI shall be exempt from the payment of income tax in Bangladesh. (3) The Bangladesh Government will provide exemption from custom duties, sales taxes, and VAT on imported goods, equipment and transport required for official use by IRRl having its office in Bangladesh on condition that these will not be disposed of without payment of due duties and sales taxes and without approval of the National Board of Revenue. The privileges granted by the Government to IRRI, as indicated in items 1 to 3 above, through official notifications listed below, will continue. These documents are appended herewith as integral parts of this MOU. (a) NBR Letter No. C. No. 3 (67) NBR (CUS) 11/74/4070 of this MOU dt. 06 March, 1975 Ministry Industries & Commerce, Commerce Division, Office Memorandum No. 1 (3) 1 8 2 - Import - IV / Pt. I / 38 dated 20-01-1983 Letter of Agreement between Bl2RI and IRRI, with concurrence of Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, dated 28-06-94. ( 4 ) The Government will grant the extension of visas on a yearly or longer term basis with provision of multiple journeys to the resident expatriate staff members of IRRI and their family members as and when necessary. (5) BRRI will provide IRRI with suitable office space at Gazipur and at Regional stations, as needed, to facilitate collaborative research. The general operating costs of running this office will be funded by special pro-ject funds placed at IRRI’s disposal, while the \v personnel costs are jointly funded out of special project funds, and IRRI’s core budget, (6) IRRI and its staff, both resident and short-term, will comply with all applicable Bangladesh laws, rules and regulations and will devote themselves diligently and collegially to the provision of services to BRRI and attainment of the objectives of BRRI and IRRI as described in this MOU. 5 (7) To assist in the implementation of this MOU, IRRI will provide, as mutually agreed upon, the following services subject to availability of funds: 1. Resident and short-term specialists for the development and implementation of collaborative research and training programmes in Bangladesh. IRRT will designate one resident scientist as IRRI Representative (Liaison Scientist) and team leader in Bangladesh who will provide leadership for IRRI and work closely with the heads of BRRI, BARC and other concerned institutions in the overall planning and implementation of the research and training programmes under this MOU; 11. .. Consultants from IRRI staff or other researclitechnical organizations to assist and advise in collaborative research and training programmes in Bangladesh; 111. ... Limited travel funds, as available, to enable selected BRRI scientists and other appropriate officials to undertake study tours and to participate in conferences, symposia etc. at IRRI and other selected places that are a part of or relevant to the collaborative research and training activities. l\'. Scholarships and fellowships for post-graduate studies and short-term training; Rice seeds and breeding materials in quantities needed for BRRI's research; Research equipment and supplies that are needed for the collaborative research but not readily available in Bangladesh; and Other forms of technical assistance and professional co-operation as required and mutually agreed upon. BRRI's Responsibilities BRRI will provide, undertake or secure the following, as mutually agreed, subject to availability of personnel and financial resources: (a) Facilities, supplies, and equipment for implementing collaborative research and training activities in Bangladesh, and needed office, laboratory, greenhouse/screenhouse space and farrn support; (b) Collaborating scientists and supporting staff to permit timely implementation of agreed programmes and activities; (c) Permission from the Government duty- and customs-free entry of agreed items of equipment, instruments and supplies purchased by IRRI and imported for supporting implementation of approved collaborative programmes in Bangladesh. If the Government does not approve such request, arrange payment of duties and taxes to secure clearance and delivery of such equipment, instruments and supplies; (d) Government clearance for Bangladeshi scientists to undertake training, study tours, and participate in conferences, workshops, symposia, etc., and other activities covered by this MOU; travel related to (e) Government clearance, as required, for resident scientists and short-term consultants provided by IRRI; (0 Suitable candidates for various agreed training activities conducted in or outside Bangladesh; and (E) \I '- Any other steps necessary to secure Government support for the implementation of this MOU. successful 3 Guidelines for Operational Procedures for Implementing the MOU Selection for recruitment of IRRI resident scientists will be made by IRRI in consultation with and upon concurrence by BRRI. Concurrence and clearance required from the Government will be obtained by BRRI. Any short-term scientist or technician to be provided by IRRI will require prior consultation and approval of BRFU's Director General. The professional activities of IRRI scientists stationed in Bangladesh will be guided by agreement between the two institutions. They will help plan and implement specific research and training activities in accordance with work plans developed through periodic collaborative planning meetings between BRRI and IRRI. The IRRI Representative will be in charge of IRRI's Office and its staff in Bangladesh and will, in consultation with the Director General of BRRI, discharge supervisory responsibility for the performance and activities of other IRRI scientists and consultants working in Bangladesh. The terms and conditions of employment for resident scientists provided by IRRI to BRRI will follow the usual terms and conditions of employment in effect for IRRI outreach staff. The terms and conditions of BRRI scientists receiving IRRI-sponsored training within Bangladesh or outside will be determined jointly by IRRI and BRRI. The performance of resident scientists and consultants provided by IRRI to BRRI will be jointly appraised by the Director General of BRRI and the IRRI Representative and ,,a the appraisal report will be submitted to the Director General of IRRI. The Director General of IRRI will consult with the Director General of BRRI regarding the performance of the IRRI Representative. If the services of the Representative or a resident scientist are judged unsatisfactory BRRI will advise IRRI to take appropriate actions. 8 (11) IRRI resident scientists and consultants will keep the Director General of BRRI and the IRRI Representative informed of their professional communications with the Government and other local agencies. Finance and Financial Management For financial assistance to BRRI,bilateral agreements may be developed directly between the Government and the donors. IRRI may participate in developing financial arrangements for those activities that involve IRRI. The financial assistance from the donor agencies may be in Bangladesh Taka and foreign currency. BRRI and IRRI will cooperate in using their best efforts to ensure full and cost-effective utilization of the funds received from donors for the activities under this MOU. The financial resources supporting IRRI-BRRI collaborative programmes and activities may be provided by more than one donor. Consequently, IRRI may have to prepare and submit to donors financial statements following different guidelines and different time schedules. IRRI will provide to Director General of BRRI copy of all such financial statements and reports that are required. IRRI will be entitled to receive and deduct an overhead charge at the standard rate, and w as agreed by the donor, for donor-supported projects managed through IRFU. IRRT will apply its standard corporate management rules in handling all finances under this MOU. Any deviation from them will be allowed only for specific donor-supported activities for which donor‘s own rules and regulations, if different from those of IRRI, must be applied, and as mutually agreed by the donor and IRRI. The financial management and operation of IRRI’s Dhaka Office will be subject to audit following I N ’ S policies and procedures and will be conducted by IRRI-appointed professional audit institution(s). The Director General of BRFU will be given a copy of audit reports for information. Financial activities of IRRI Dhaka Office will not be subjected to Govt. of Bangladesh audit procedures. Procress Reports IRFU and BRRJ will jointly prepare an annual progress report of all activities under this MOU. Ownershin and Publication of Research Outputs The research outputs of IFUU scientists working under this MOU will be the joint property of BRRI and I N . Concerned BRRI and IFUU scientists will be expected to jointly publish their work in scientific journals. Due acknowledgment should be given to other scientists who have substantially contributed to the relevant research results. Provision for Termination Either party may terminate this MOU by a written notice to the other in which the reasons for such an action will be clearly stated. The party initiating such action should inform the other party of its intent as early as possible before the issuance of the notice. In such an event. this MOU will stand terminated at the end of 180 days from the date of issue of the 'v > * written notice, unless the notice has been withdrawn by the initiating party before that date and both parties have agreed to continue with the MOU. /1 I ' + Procedures for Disposing of IRRI Prone* Sub.ject to any limitation imposed by donors or any other agreement, all materials and equipment procured for supporting programmes and activities under this MOU will be disposed of as per existing Government provisions, except those materials and equipment imported by IRRI for which exemptions from payment of custom duties, sales taxes, etc. have been applied. Disposal of such imported materials and equipment will require payment of duties and taxes. and approval of the National Board of Revenue. At the termination of this MOU, the unused funds with IRRI, if any, will be disposed according to agreement reached between IRRI, BRRI and concerned donor(s). Amendment Procedures The parties to this Memorandum of Understanding may by mutual consent in writing add, amend, or delete any words, phrases, sentences or articles. In witness whereof, the parties hereunto have signed on the dates stated along with their respective signature. For the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute For the International Rice Research Inmute / Dr. M!Aaa