KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh has called for stronger cooperation between Pakistan and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries in education, research, innovation and skills development to promote education tourism and attract international students and researchers.
Addressing the International Education Summit in Karachi, Sheikh said Pakistan’s young population, skilled workforce, expanding technology sector and longstanding ties with Muslim countries provide opportunities to expand international educational partnerships and generate investment and employment.
Four Initiatives Proposed
The summit was 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.”
Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s contribution to human resource development in OIC countries through higher education, professional training and the hosting of international students, particularly in medicine and engineering.
He said Pakistani doctors, engineers, IT professionals, researchers and entrepreneurs working around the world demonstrate the potential of the country’s human capital and could help expand international cooperation in education, research and investment.
The FPCCI president proposed four initiatives:
- A Pakistan–OIC Education and Skills Mobility Initiative covering student and faculty exchanges, scholarships, internships and professional training.
- An annual Pakistan Education, Research and Investment Forum connecting universities, investors, technology companies and international institutions.
- An Education Tourism Facilitation Desk to help international students and institutions access information about Pakistani universities and investment opportunities.
- Stronger university–industry linkages to support research commercialization, entrepreneurship, internships and employment-oriented education.
FPCCI Offers Support for International Partnerships
Sheikh said FPCCI was ready to facilitate stronger links between Pakistani educational institutions, investors and counterparts across OIC countries.
He invited international universities, investors and business communities to explore Pakistan’s educational, research and investment potential.
The FPCCI president also appreciated the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development for organizing the summit, saying education could serve as a bridge between economies and societies while contributing to sustainable growth, investment and employment generation.