Baku, November 9, AZERTAC

Representatives of space agencies from the Asia-Pacific region are gathering in Singapore to discuss ways to apply space technologies to people's lives, according to Japanese public broadcasting organization NHK.

The organizers of the 4-day event include the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA.

Officials from space agencies and others from 29 countries and territories are taking part.

Japanese astronaut Chiaki Mukai chaired a discussion on Thursday in which participants exchanged views on how space technologies can be used in society.

Presentations of projects using the technologies showed that people in India use satellite photos in agricultural production. In Indonesia, satellites are used to monitor illegal fishing.

Several participants stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation with the private sector to widen the scope of applications of their research and development.

JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa said satellites have proven useful in people's lives. He said using the knowledge of the private sector and creating new businesses should help expand the space industry.