FAISALABAD, Apr 21 (DNA): German Ambassador H.E Ina Lepal on Tuesday said that interest from Germany for cooperation in Pakistan is growing especially with recent events putting Pakistan on the spotlight in a very positive way.
She visited the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Tuesday and called on UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali.
Speaking on the occasion, she said that university cooperation is a very important part of the cooperation between Germany and Pakistan. She appreciated all the quality work done at UAF and said, “In German economy we are very interested in diversification of our partnerships so German companies are looking at Pakistan as the fifth largest country in the world and as such a big market.”
She said that Germany supports the IMF programs that are also aimed at bringing about the necessary structural reforms in Pakistan for a sustainable growth path. She said that for all this joint work in the economy, the good knowledge base is crucial and that’s why good universities like UAF are also very important in bringing about this better sustainable growth.
She said that academic cooperation is advancing very well. She said that 10,000 students from Pakistan studying in Germany.
She said that more and more German universities offering classes in English to cater to the language barrier challenges.
She said, “We also see more efforts and interest in the field of skilled labor mobility as young people going for vocational training in German companies.”
Dr Zulfiqar Ali highlighted that the core agenda of the university is to ensure food security and promote sustainable rural development. He said that the university had worked with International Center for Development and Decent (ICDD) Work from 2009 to 2022. He suggested opening new chapter of collaboration.
He also suggested establishment of German language center at UAF, providing opportunities for individuals interested in learning German and strengthening academic and professional linkages.
He said that in collaboration with German partners, the university is actively working on climate-smart agriculture to effectively address emerging climate change challenges.
He further shared that the university currently holds 10 active MoUs with German universities and is keen to expand these partnerships in the future.He highlighted the strong research collaboration with Germany, noting that several projects are being carried out with the support of leading German institutions.
He shared that currently two ongoing research projects, worth Rs. 6.365 million, are being funded by German partners. He said that total 18 research projects valued at Rs.76.033 million have already been completed with the support of renowned organizations such as the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, International Center for Development and Decent Work (ICDD), the Center for Development Research (ZEF), German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under German-Pakistan Collaboration Program (Germany).
These collaborative efforts are playing a vital role in strengthening research capacity, promoting innovation and addressing key challenges in agriculture and climate change, he added.
