Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kyungpook National University (KNU) Korea, to promote quality education, training of faculty & students, exchange of modern trends in research and education.

The signing ceremony was held in Korea where the PMAS-AAUR was represented by its Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad.  President, KNU, Dr. In SuK Hamm, and Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR signed MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.

Under the MoU, the two universities desire to develop academic cooperation in various fields including agriculture, livestock, veterinary & animal sciences, forestry, etc. Both organizations also agreed to initiate collaborative activities in academic areas of mutual interest such as exchange of faculty and researchers for purpose of teaching, conducting lectures and research, exchange of expertise, exchange of students, conducting collaborative research projects, jointly organizing symposia, seminars, and conferences as well as sharing of academic information and materials.

PMAS-AAUR, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad has termed the MoU a breakthrough that will unfold new avenues of learning and research opportunities for the students. He further said the memorandum of understanding would lead to exchange of faculty and students and collaboration in joint projects. The linkage is a significant step taken by University in promoting higher education through international linkages. He expressed his belief that academic collaboration can make an important contribution to enhancing higher education in countries like Pakistan if it is developed and delivered responsibly and effectively.

President, KNU, Dr. In SuK Hamm, talking about Pakistan-Korea relations, expressed his optimism in establishing strong relations between both the countries. The President of the University emphasized that he is keen to build Korea’s positive image in Pakistan. He was of the view that MoU is a start towards an enhanced understanding and broad relationship with Pakistan at different levels.

 The KNU administration and scientists showed a warm cooperation to help Pakistan in the areas of their expertise and exchange the scientific manpower for advanced research and technology transfer. Further, the presidents KOICA and KNU indicated to extend collaboration through provincial government of Kyungbuk and other departments.

It may be recalled that PMAS-AAUR, 12 members’ academic and administrative staff under the leadership of University Vice Chancellor Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad was at their visit to Korea. The visit was arranged by Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) under the project “Pak-Korea Capacity Building Center for Agriculture and Livestock Technology” which is being established at PMAS-AAUR. The KOICA has already signed a MoU with PMAS-AAUR to establish this center by providing US$ 3.50 million. Under this project Pakistani experts will first get training from their Korean counterparts and then will transfer the knowledge and technology to the local experts and farmers.

Presently, experts from agriculture, animal sciences and forestry, participated in the training held at KNU, Korea in their respective fields. The delegation was introduced to Saemual (new village) Movement in Korea, which was started in 1960s by then President Park Chung Hee. The New Village Movement revolutionized the Korean agriculture and rural life to the present developed state. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad and delegation took a keen interest in understanding the mechanism and model through which Korean nation progressed. PMAS-AAUR, Vice Chancellor, has planned to replicate the model of Saemual Movement in Pakistan for the development of agriculture and livestock sectors to boost the economy of rural community especially in Pothwar region. For this purpose, the PMAS-AAUR plans to have a long-term collaboration with KNU. The Vice Chancellor had detailed meetings with KNU administration and the delegation visited several villages to see the development status and agriculture sector.