HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed presents a souvenir to French Ambassador Martine Dorance. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The ambassador was accompanied by Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Andre de Bussy.
Dr Ahmed briefed the Ambassador regarding achievements made by the HEC since its inception, as well as future projects planned by the commission to make higher education accessible in all regions.
The chairman gave an overview of the commission’s progress on initiatives such as research, implementation of quality assurance criteria, steps to improve university governance, strengthening technological infrastructure, and building the capacity of faculty and management at universities.
Dr Ahmed shared HEC’s role as funding agency and regulator. He spoke about the need for applied research and establishment of a technology fund for applied research. He also mentioned the HEC’s ‘change maker project’ and establishment of centres for excellence in food security, water and energy.
The chairman also sought France’s help in setting up more incubation centres for research. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration, particularly short-term exchange programme for faculty and students.
The ambassador appreciated the performance of HEC in transforming universities and facilitating faculty, students, research scholars and university managements in meeting international standards of higher education. She also expressed her interest in enhancing academic links between the two countries, and spoke of a more structured approach to meet these goals.
Further, she informed the chairman that Pakistan Day will be celebrated in France, for which Dr Ahmed agreed to participate by engaging representation by vice-chancellors and students.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2016.
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