China’s Consul General Zhao Shiren has announced plans to elevate the longstanding partnership between China and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) to unprecedented heights. In a meeting with UAF Vice-Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, alongside Deans, Directors, and Chinese university alumni, Shiren unveiled a groundbreaking initiative: the launch of a merit and need-based scholarship project aimed at UAF students.
Emphasizing the enduring bond between China and Pakistan as one rooted in brotherhood and proven over time, Shiren highlighted the robust collaboration between the two nations across various sectors including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and education. He hailed the transformative potential of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in fostering development and fostering mutual prosperity.
Commending the leadership and faculty of UAF for their dedication to academic excellence and their contributions to addressing agricultural challenges, Shiren applauded the university’s pivotal role in nurturing talent and fostering innovation.
Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan underscored the deep educational ties between UAF and China, noting that 70 faculty members from UAF had pursued higher education in Chinese universities. He revealed the initiation of a Sino-Pak dual diploma program in modern agricultural technology, a collaboration between UAF and Ballie College China. Under this program, students will spend the first two years studying at UAF and the third year in China, facilitating cross-cultural exchange and knowledge transfer.
Highlighting UAF’s commitment to agricultural advancement, Dr. Khan cited the introduction of high-yielding crop varieties such as wheat, cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, and chickpeas, promising increased productivity per acre.
The collaborative spirit between UAF and Chinese academic institutions was further evidenced by the signing of 73 memoranda of understanding, fostering research partnerships and academic exchanges.
UAF’s international partnerships were also showcased, with notable establishments like the Pak-Korea Nutrition Center, the Center for Advanced Studies, and the Confucius Institute. Dr. Zahir Ahmed Zahir, Dean of the Confucius Institute, highlighted the Institute’s significant contributions since its inception in 2015, including the training of over 21,000 students in Chinese language skills and the implementation of cultural and research projects.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures from UAF, including Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Sarwar Khan, Deans representing various faculties, and key officials responsible for public relations, community engagement, and development planning. Together, they heralded a new era of collaboration and academic excellence between UAF and China, poised to shape the future of agricultural innovation and cross-cultural understanding.
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