HYDERABAD: A two-day conference organised by the Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and China’s Xi’an Jiaotong University began in the university on Monday.

Experts and scholars from China, Turkey, Malaysia, and other countries, besides representatives from all four provinces of the country are attending the conference on ‘CPEC energy infrastructure and socio-economic transformations: challenges, opportunities and sustainable development’.

The inaugural session was held in SAU’s main auditorium and chaired by Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Marri.

The VC explained CPEC’s transformative potential in boosting Pakistan’s exports to Europe via China and Kazakhstan.

Experts discuss ways to transform national economy, ensure sustainable development

Highlighting CPEC framework’s role in fostering cultural ties and addressing poverty and food insecurity, he called for adopting China’s developmental models.

He emphasised the need for utilising arid and coastal regions for agriculture, by developing energy projects through agricultural residues and enhancing productivity, mechanisation and processing industries in this sector.

Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Vice Chancellor Dr Tauha Hussain Ali praised SAU for organising the conference on this important subject and remarked that the relevant research would offer valuable insights and solutions to socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

Former VC of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan advocated for actionable initiatives under the Green Pakistan Initiative. He noted that 28,000 Pakistani students were currently studying in Chinese universities, and 99pc of them on scholarships. He proposed that Karachi’s cattle farms should be used for bio-mass energy and fertiliser production.

Prof Quanbao Jiang of the Xi’an Jiaotong University talked about CPEC’s significance as the key component of Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting China’s over $60bn investment in energy, transport and industrial zones and said this component had the potential to transform Pakistan’s economy and enhance regional connectivity.

UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)’s Sindh office head James Robert Okoth discussed importance of educating Sindh’s agricultural community on modern technologies to achieve sustainable agricultural development and tackle climate-related challenges.

Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (Sida) Chairman Kabool Mohammad Khatian, spoke on how CPEC’s industrial and agricultural advancements could strengthen Pakistan’s economy. He also referred to Dhabeji’s potential as an industrial zone, given its proximity to Port Qasim which facilitates exports.

A progressive farmer and Sindh Abadgar Board (SAB) President Syed Mehmood Nawaz Shah highlighted untapped potential in exporting fruits and vegetables to China. He called for infrastructure improvements to meet global standards, saying that agriculture played a critical role in employment and gross domestic production (GDP).

Vice Chancellor Dr Rasool Bux Mahar of the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Techno­logy and Skill Development, Khairpur Mirs, supported the idea of promoting bio-energy and solid waste management using crop and livestock residues to address environmental issues.

University of Mirpurkhas VC Dr Rafiq Ahmed Memon called for a shift from superficial studies to applied research to foster knowledge-based economic growth.

Prof Dr Mithat from Turkey highlighted collaborative opportunities between his country and Pakistan in agricultural education and research.

The conference featured an exhibition, which was inaugurated by SAU VC Dr Fateh Marri and showcased advancements and innovations related to the topic of the conference.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2024