French Ambassador to Pakistan Phillip Thiebaud has said that Pakistan and France are faced with same challenges, adding that both the countries can launch joint ventures in areas like energy, food processing, water and environment.
Addressing the participants of a Chemistry Travelling Expo after inaugurating it here at Bahauddin Zakariya University Wednesday, he said that chemistry has a direct link with our lives and no one could undermine its role and importance.
He added that we are part of a global village and we need to boost our command on science. "For this purpose we have to further improve relations at the level of state institutions," he added. He said that Chemistry has a link with our lives one way or the other and it could be used as a key to solve problems being faced by the humankind. He hoped that the expo would help resolve problems faced by common man in routine life.
He told the participants that France spent a big portion of its GDP on promotion of science and technology every year. He asked the students to benefit from inter-linkage programmes and go to France for higher education. He said that France is an old trade partner of Pakistan and these ties should further be strengthened. He disclosed that France-Pakistan relations are passing through a new era of friendship as France imported and exported a large number of duty-free items besides working with Science Foundation.
Answering a question, he said that Pakistan is a democratic country and democratic process should continue here. "It is Pakistanis who are to decide the fate of their country," he added. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Dr Khawaja Alqama said that no one could undermine the importance of education and knowledge in our lives. "That's why we have to become a knowledge-based nation. We need to work for the promotion of knowledge," he asserted.
He said that Pakistanis are a peaceful nation and we want to send out this message to the world. Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation Dr Manzoor Hussain Somroo said that more projects would be launched in collaboration with France in energy, water, environment and food processing sectors. He asked the students and teachers of BZU to play their role in promoting research culture. He said that the motive behind holding the expo is to promote science and technology in Pakistan with the co-operation of France.