ISLAMABAD, March 17: South Korea has agreed to facilitate Pakistani students to study in engineering programmes in that country. The HEC would provide scholarships to engineering students for studies in South Korean universities.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed by Myongji University president Prof KunMo Chung and the Higher Education Commission Chairman Prof (Dr) Attaur Rehman here on Friday, a statement here said.

Prof Chung was accompanied by Dr Young-tae Son of the transportation engineering department of the university.

The statement said placement of Pakistani students in Korean universities would help strengthen the engineering backbone of the country as the programme entailed industrial experience as well.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Attaur Rahman said the objective of the programme was to produce engineers with high- level of industrial training. The engineers would serve the industry on their return to the country.

On the occasion, the South Korea delegation said the Myongji University had designed a course to address the economic and social needs of Pakistan.

Proposals for setting up a linkage between the Korean universities and University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, NWFP, was also discussed in detail.

The aim would be to strengthen faculty in appropriate fields with strong interaction with industry. A time-bound action plan will soon be chalked out and work is likely to begin immediately. The programme will be separately funded by the commission.