ISLAMABAD: Research and development (R&D) funds have been substantially increased to meet challenges of the 21st century, Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain said.
He said that promotion of science and technology was a priority of the government. He stated this while attending a stakeholders’ consultative workshop on ‘Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Strategy and Action Plan’ organised by the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST).
Points of focus included substandard quality of water and cooking oil found in the market. The minister said that the matter was being taken care of by banning such substandard products.
Tanveer said that technological innovation had been dormant in the country for the last 14 years and scientists should spearhead a shift.
The government, he said, was committed to promoting innovation in the private sector by giving them incentives and tax-free facilities.
History
The PCST, under the direction of the Ministry of Science and Technology, had prepared STI Strategy 2014-18. However, a need was felt to make it more focused with clear and time bound targets and harmonise it with the ‘Vision 2025’.
Hence, a detailed review of the strategy had been undertaken in a series of meetings chaired by the Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science & Technology.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2016.
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