Karachi: President FPCCI Atif Ikram Sheikh has called for enhanced cooperation among Pakistan and OIC countries in education, research, innovation and skills development, stating that Pakistan’s talented human capital, large youth population, growing technology sector and close relations with Muslim countries provide a strong foundation for promoting education tourism, attracting international students and researchers and generating investment opportunities. Addressing the International Education Summit, organized by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development in collaboration with COMSTECH, FPCCI and the Board of Investment under the theme “Promoting Global Education for Sustainable Growth & Economic Prosperity,” he said education, science and technology must be recognized as key drivers of human capital development, economic growth and a knowledge-based economy.
Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to human resource development in OIC countries through higher education, professional training and hosting international students, particularly in medicine and engineering. He said Pakistani doctors, engineers, IT professionals, researchers and entrepreneurs successfully working worldwide are a reflection of the country’s human capital potential, which should now be transformed into greater international educational cooperation, research partnerships, investment and economic opportunities.
The FPCCI President proposed four initiatives: a Pakistan–OIC Education and Skills Mobility Initiative for student and faculty exchanges, scholarships, internships and professional training; an annual Pakistan Education, Research & Investment Forum to connect universities, investors, technology companies and international institutions; an Education Tourism Facilitation Desk to assist international students and institutions in accessing information about Pakistani universities and investment opportunities; and stronger university–industry linkages to promote research commercialization, entrepreneurship, internships and employment-oriented education.
Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized that FPCCI is ready to facilitate stronger linkages between Pakistani educational institutions, investors and their counterparts across OIC countries and invited international universities, investors and business communities to explore Pakistan’s educational, research and investment potential. He appreciated the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development for providing the platform and said that education can become an important bridge connecting economies, societies and people while contributing to sustainable economic growth, investment and employment generation
