Pakistan, Indonesia to deepen trade ties

Industry-academia linkages termed essential to fight challenges

FAISALABAD: Indonesian Ambassador Iwan Suyudhie Amri has emphasised that Pakistan and Indonesia will further strengthen bilateral ties in trade, research and agriculture.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of an international conference titled “Palm Oil: Health, Nutrition and Development” organised by the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences  and University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).



The ambassador said palm oil production was vital for the Indonesian economy as the country was its largest exporter with annual shipments worth $22 billion whereas Pakistan’s share in palm oil imports was 10%.

He added that people in South Asia were using ghee produced from animal fats. “It is not only a matter of health, but also of habit and culture,” he said.

He pointed out that Indonesian Bogor Agricultural University, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) and UAF would enhance cooperation in trade and research to boost academia-industry linkages.

Talking about women empowerment, the envoy said it was essential for the development of any country as it played a significant role in uplifting the society.

“Pakistan produces one of the best mango and rice varieties and my county is importing them,” he said.



UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Iqbal Randhawa said strong academia-industry linkages were essential to fight the challenges of modern era and to alleviate poverty. “Strengthened ties between the academia and industry will help raise income of people, their living standards and meet challenges of the modern era,” he said.

He urged researchers to work on the real issues faced by the common man. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2018.

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