Conference highlights CPEC role in economy

Experts stress technology transfer to boost agri-productivity

KARACHI:

The Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tando Jam, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Xi'an Jiaotong University, China, inaugurated a two-day international conference on "CPEC Energy Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Transformations: Challenges, Opportunities, and Sustainable Development."

The conference featured experts and scholars from China, Turkey, Malaysia, and other countries, as well as representatives from Pakistan's four provinces, to discuss challenges and opportunities under the framework of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The inaugural session was presided over by SAU Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Marri, who emphasised the CPEC's potential for boosting Pakistan's exports to Europe via China and Kazakhstan.

Marri also emphasised the framework's potential for fostering cultural ties and addressing poverty and food insecurity. He suggested the adoption of China's development models, utilisation of arid and coastal regions for agriculture and development of energy projects using the agricultural residue.

He stressed the importance of technology transfer from China, particularly for crop seeds and livestock breeds, to boost agricultural productivity and promote sustainable development.

Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro Vice Chancellor Dr Taha Hussain Ali remarked that the research presented at the event would offer valuable insights and solutions to Pakistan's socio-economic challenges.

University of Agriculture Faisalabad former vice chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan advocated for taking actionable initiatives under the Green Pakistan programme.