Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) and University of Idaho (UI) of USA signed an understanding to establish a consortium for the purpose of using their collective expertise to evaluate, develop and implement practical solutions to enhance aquaculture and fisheries productivity in Pakistan.
GCUF Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Zakir Hussain and Dr Robert J Hagerty, Interim Director International Programmes UI along with Dr Gleyn E Bledsoe signed the agreement which was considered as the first step that may lead to the formal agreement and work plan.
Before signing the agreement, parties discussed several areas of mutual interests and identify the areas of aquaculture, animal and veterinary sciences, and agriculture and water-resource management for potential collaboration.
It has also been decided that a formal agreement to allow for contribution of both parties to finance specific action programmes would be reviewed by the respective parties in future. Both universities foster a friendly relationship through mutual co-operation in the sphere of teaching and scientific research.
It was decided that the members of consortium would work jointly and through partnership between the individual members to achieve its stated purpose. The consortium may expand the membership in the future to include the other universities with like interests. Deans Dr Noureen Aziz Qureshi, Dr Tahir Tunsvi and registrar Muhammad Akram also present at this occasion.