Opening new avenues: UAF to get French Information Centre

Move aimed to guide students about educational opportunities in France.

FAISALABAD: French Information Centre will be established at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad to guide the students about educational opportunities in France. In addition, effective measures have been taken to strengthen academic and research ties between Pakistan and France.

This was said by French Higher Education Attaché Sebastien Cartier during a meeting with UAF Vice-Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan on Tuesday. The French delegation comprised of Director of International Development Sabine Vermillard, and Katrin Gebhard.

The French attaché said the students and teachers exchange programmes between Pakistan and France will open new avenues of collaboration and progress. He added, “It will help fight different challenges.”

Cartier maintained, “French week is being celebrated in French Embassy in Pakistan in which universities from France are sending their experts to enhance cooperation and mutual programmes with Pakistani universities.”

He said an information centre was being built in the main library of UAF, whereas a French language and Cultural Centre was being run at the varsity. He lauded the steps being taken on the part of the UAF administration for providing quality education and research work.

On the occasion, UAF VC Dr Iqrar said, “At least 65 students completed their education from French Culture Centre while 10 students are currently enrolled in it.”

He said more than two dozen teachers and faculty members graduated from French universities and were helping students in getting admission in French universities.  He pointed out, “French universities have distinguished recognition in social science and energy production.”

The vice-chancellor said the French Cultural Centre and Chinese Confucius Centre were operating at the campus that brought the people closer. He informed the delegation that the Planning Commission of Pakistan had approved establishment of Korea Hi Tech Innovation Park worth $30 million that will help the fight the challenges of agriculture and food security.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15^th, 2017.