A delegation of five master’s students from the Silk Road program at the College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, embarked on a three-month joint training and academic exchange program in Pakistan earlier this month. The initiative aims to enhance academic collaboration and support the establishment of a Joint Agro-Biodiversity Research Center and Collaborative Laboratory, aligned with the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative.
In Islamabad, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Professor Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Professor Ahmad expressed strong support for the program and highlighted the importance of collaborative student training and academic partnerships in fostering scientific and educational ties between the two nations.
During their visit, the delegation toured key institutions, including the Pakistan Science Foundation, the Pakistan Museum of Natural History, the Herbarium of Pakistan (ISL) at Quaid-i-Azam University, and the Sino-Pak Agricultural Biodiversity Research Center. At Quaid-i-Azam University, they held discussions with Vice Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmad Akhtar about the program’s operational details.
Over the next three months, the students will engage in practical training and academic exchanges at various partner institutions, including the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad, the University of Haripur, the University of Sargodha, Sindh Agriculture University, and the University of Lahore. They will also visit prominent research centers like the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute.
This exchange program is jointly led by Professor Mushtaq Ahmad of Quaid-i-Azam University and Professor Zhang Lixin, Chairman of the Silk Road Bio-Health Agricultural Industry Alliance at Northwest A&F University. It aims to develop graduate talent, strengthen academic partnerships, and establish joint research centers focusing on agricultural biodiversity and bio-resources under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Related Posts
