The Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) and China's Wuhan Textile University (WTU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to enhance bilateral cooperation in science, technology, research, innovation, and higher education. The ceremony took place at the PSF headquarters in Islamabad, attended by a four-member WTU delegation led by Prof. Dr. Zhaowei Zhang, Dean of the School of Biomedical Engineering and Health.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Speaking at the event, PSF Chairman Prof. Dr. Mohammad Akmal emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific partnerships between Pakistan and China. He stated that the collaboration would create new opportunities for joint research, faculty and student exchanges, academic cooperation, and capacity building.
Prof. Dr. Zhaowei Zhang presented an overview of Wuhan Textile University's academic and research strengths, international collaborations, and areas of mutual interest. Dr. Mirza Habib Ali, Member Science at PSF, briefed participants on the Foundation's mandate, research support programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting international scientific collaboration.
Formal Signing and Framework
Following detailed discussions, both sides formally signed the MoU, establishing a framework for cooperation in joint research projects, academic exchanges, scholarships, scientific events, and other mutually beneficial initiatives. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Raja Shahryar, Deputy Scientific Adviser (International) at the Ministry of Science and Technology and Director (International Linkages) at PSF.
Meeting with Ministry Secretary
Later, the Wuhan Textile University delegation called on Shahid Iqbal Baloch, Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to expand scientific and technological cooperation, strengthen institutional partnerships, promote joint research, and facilitate academic exchanges between Pakistan and China.
The secretary appreciated the growing collaboration between PSF and WTU and reaffirmed the ministry's full support for strengthening bilateral cooperation. He assured the delegation of the Government of Pakistan's commitment to facilitating future collaborative initiatives in science, technology, innovation, and higher education.
Visit to Natural History Museum
The delegation also visited the Pakistan Museum of Natural History at Shakar Parian, Islamabad. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of PSF, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and WTU to promoting scientific excellence and fostering long-term academic and research partnerships between Pakistan and China.
