ISLAMABAD, May 30 (Alliance News): The University of Sargodha (UOS) and the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Institute on Friday signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen academic and policy collaboration across the CAREC region.
The agreement was signed by CAREC Institute Director Charymuhammet Shallyyev and UOS Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Qaisar Abbas at a ceremony witnessed by Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Professor Dr Mukhtar Ahmed.
The MoU focuses on joint research, capacity building, and policy development in key areas such as the digital economy, sustainable development, and regional economic integration.
The partnership also aims to promote student internships, faculty exchange programs, and co-hosting of conferences, webinars, and publication of policy briefs.
Under the agreement, both institutions will facilitate data sharing and expand access to research databases across the 11-member CAREC bloc, which includes Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, and Central Asian countries.
Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s economic potential and the government’s commitment to attract investment and streamline trade through reforms and incentives such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs), where zero-duty on imported machinery and a 10-year income tax holiday are available.
HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed praised the hosting of the international conference in Pakistan, stating that such events help counter negative perceptions and reflect the country’s peaceful and welcoming image.
Dr Qaisar Abbas emphasized that the MoU will promote evidence-based policymaking and sustainable growth in the region. “This partnership reflects our dedication to fostering meaningful academic and policy engagement across borders,” he said.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the fifth annual CAREC Institute Research Conference, themed “CAREC Connectivity: Promoting Trade and Trade Facilitation,” co-hosted by UOS and several international partners.
Key co-organizers included the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Pakistan Single Window (PSW), Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), International Road Transport Union (IRU), Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI), Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA), and ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF).
