Pakistan-U.S. Cooperation in Science & Technology

In order to provide a strong impetus to bilateral cooperation in the area of science & technology, engineering and higher education, Pakistan and the United States have agreed to launch the Joint Committee on Science & Technology at a higher level. The Joint Committee is envisaged in the Agreement on Science & Technology signed in June , 2003. The elevated Joint Committee will foster expanded cooperation and promote collaborative relationship between the scientific and technological communities and institutions of the two countries . The high-level Committee will also facilitate collaborative relationships among scientists serving in government agencies, private enterprises, science foundations, and academia in order to further scientific endeavours and increase the quantity and quality of researchers in Pakistan.

Pakistan and the U.S. already have a science and technology programme which would focus on 11 new projects this year. The projects are aimed at increasing Pakistan’s capacity for science and technology educations and research in the public and private sectors. The project will focus on water resources management, engineering, food science, plant science, air quality, forensic science and renewable energy.

Within this framework, the two sides have also agreed to initiate closer cooperation in the field of environment. The Joint Committee will address the institutional capacity of Pakistan to enhance the prospects and opportunities for economic opportunities in a manner that accords priority to environmental protection, including in the impact of climate on the water and agriculture sectors of Pakistan.

Islamabad

March 04, 2006