ISLAMABAD, June 24: President Pervez Musharraf will sign an agreement with US authorities aimed to enhance cooperation in the field of science and technology between two countries, the Higher Education Commission said in a statement.

It said both the countries would discuss matters relating to development of science and technology and higher education in Pakistan.

US assistance is being solicited for the provision of scholarships/grants for Pakistani students for postgraduate studies and training in US universities/institutions.

In addition, US help would also be sought for the establishment of world-class science and engineering centres in Pakistan to strengthen R&D infrastructure and induction of high quality science and technology faculty.

The matter regarding strengthening and upgradation of accreditation, certification, meteorology, testing, calibration and laboratory services would also be included in the agreement, so that Pakistani manufacturers could meet the challenges and opportunities of the WTO regime.

The US assistance would also be required for training of manpower in intellectual property (IP)-related disciplines and development of institutions imparting IP services, i.e. patents, copyrights, trademark offices and others.

The main purpose of the agreement would be to strengthen scientific, technological and engineering capabilities of both the countries to broaden and expand relations between the extensive scientific and technological communities along with promotion of scientific and technological cooperation in areas of mutual benefits, all for peaceful purposes.