Beijing, Nov 27 (IANS): Microsoft Corporation co-founder Bill Gates has been elected as a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the organisation announced on Monday.

The government-backed academy has named a total of 67 experts from the country and 18 foreigners, including Gates, who besides his well-known engagement in the technological sector also owns the firm TerraPower, which is involved in designing nuclear reactors, reports Efe bews.

The organisation said that with the election of its new members it seeks to promote international exchange and collaboration for building a first rate global academy.

The US philanthropist and Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang recently signed an agreement for collaboration on the development of nuclear technology.

The agreement led to the creation of Global Innovation Nuclear Energy Technology, made up of the China National Nuclear Corporation and TerraPower, with the aim of completing the design of a TMR reactor, which reduces the need for uranium enrichment and re-processing.

China and the US began discussing the TMR reactor project in 2011.