ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and Riphah International University, Islamabad have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen mutual cooperation for promoting academia-industry linkages.
The MoU ceremony was held at Chamber House and Prof Dr Anis Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, Riphah International University and Muzzamil Hussain Sabri, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed the MoU.
Both organizations agreed to collaborate for promotion of entrepreneurship in students, provide opportunities for practical application of theoretical knowledge and exchange experiences in the areas of mutual interest.
The MoU will also facilitate both organizations to promote innovation and competitiveness in the local industry through joint research activities and share academic material and information for the benefit of students and industry. Riphah University will offer 15 percent discount on fee to ICCI recommended candidates for admission in MBA and Public Policy.
Speaking at the occasion, Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmed said that the strong partnership between industry and academia was essential to ensure that the research and development activities in universities are oriented towards the demand of industry. He said the countries having higher level of industry-academia linkages achieved higher productivity and Pakistan will have to follow this model to achieve fast economic growth. He hoped that the MoU of cooperation between ICCI and Riphah University will go a long way to achieve these objectives.
Muzzamil Hussain Sabri said that Riphah University should reserve a seat for ICCI that would help in bridging the gap between private sector and the academia. He was optimistic that the MoU of cooperation between both the organizations would play positive role in enhancing the usefulness of research work of universities for industry and entrepreneurship development in students.
Muhammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha, Vice President ICCI thanked Riphah University for signing MoU with ICCI and said it was a step in the right direction to work for promoting knowledge economy in the country.
