News
Thursday, June 10, 2010
United States pledges support for science and technology sector* US, Pakistani officials attend joint meeting on science and technology
* US providing aid worth $10 million for science and technology projectsISLAMABAD: The US government is committed to providing funds to support the science and technology sector in Pakistan, said US Assistant Secretary of State Dr Kerri Ann Jones.
Talking to reporters after attending a joint meeting of Pakistani and US officials, Dr Jones said that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) would keep supporting the joint Pak-US Science and Technology Cooperative Programme. The Ministry of Science and Technology and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) are also partners in the project.
In 2005, the USAID and HEC had agreed to support the programme and its fourth batch was launched in August 2009.
The programme has helped in improving the capacity of Pakistan’s public and private sector universities and supported efforts to increase industry competitiveness.
Dr Jones said that the joint projects were a proof of the strong partnership between the two countries. She further stated that discussions during her current visit have been very productive. “We can do much more together and explore new ideas to work on,” she added.
The official said that all projects under the programme are relevant to the socio-economic challenges of Pakistan, and the research will impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
This programme is being implemented by the US National Academy of Sciences and it aims at strengthening cooperation and links between scientists and institutions of Pakistan and USA.
The US official said the US is providing aid worth $10 million for various science and technology projects in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, HEC Chairman Javed Laghari said the US is providing vital aid for various education, research projects in Pakistan.
He further said that Pak-US research collaboration has helped capacity building for research, education and training in water resources management in Pakistan.
“We hope that US will keep supporting Pakistan in science and technology sector,” he said. On the occasion, Federal Secretary for Science and Technology KB Rind said the fields of biological sciences, and chemical management have also been added to the existing Pak-US support programme.
He said the USAID is funding the establishment of a new research center at the Institute of Food Sciences and Technology of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
The sectoral meeting was followed by an exhibition of Pak-US collaborative research projects.
The programme focuses on projects in sectors such as agriculture, biotechnology, cancer research, building molecular biology capacity for preventing diseases, dealing with the Hepatitis C virus, cleaning wastewater, enhancing sugarcane production and training lady health workers.
The US delegation later visited the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk