International cooperation in plasma processing

Plasma processing is a subject specially suited for international cooperation, since it offers a rich selection of research topics which are largely unexplored, it has multiple technological applications and, what is most important, it requires an operative infrastructure that is accessible to most R&D institutions, including those in developing countries. The general features of plasma processing for cooperation activities are analyzed and specific examples are indicated. In particular, cooperation sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in Latin America within the framework of its Third Country Training Program is discussed in detail.