SWABI: Swabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the University of Swabi (UoS) signed on Friday a memorandum of understanding to collaborate and interact with each other for strengthening the industry and research activities.

The MoU was inked by SCCI president Mohammad Zahid Shah and Prof Imtiaz Khan, acting Vice-Chancellor of UoS. Higher Education Commission Chairman Prof Mukhtar Ahmad participated in the ceremony as the chief guest.

Briefing mediapersons, Mr Shah and Prof Imtiaz said that the two parties would appraise and share with each other and align mutual perspectives for collaborative and cooperative efforts.

The other vital point of the agreement was collaborating in identifying areas of common interest and undertaking various initiatives for strengthening academia-industry linkage through joint research, sharing of expertise and knowledge.

“We have agreed to work jointly to plan and conduct activities for the advancement of knowledge and welfare of students, researchers, employees and the public at large,” said Mr Shah.

The university and chamber would also complement each other’s efforts and build cooperation for catering to the needs of local communities in the district.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Imtiaz said, “We would work with complete determination for promoting and encouraging the higher education in district Swabi in particular and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in general.”

He said the two parties would work for improving the quality of human resources through mutual visits, vital trainings, internships, workshops and other compatible activities as identified by mutual consent.

The two parties agreed to create synergy for achievement of their respective goals and objectives and fulfill their responsibilities for the overall development of the masses.

They would benefit from each other’s human and capital resources through joint efforts while collaborating for achievement of outlined objectives with a view to contribute to national progress and welfare of the people.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2017