ISLAMABAD, Oct 13: The vacuum technology has played a dramatic role in creating new dimensions and improving the quality of the industrial processes.

This was stated by Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari while addressing the closing ceremony of the 6th Vacuum and Surface Sciences Conference of Asia and Australia on Saturday. Approximately 225 papers were presented in the conference by 180 local and 45 foreign researchers belonging to 30 different countries.

“Technology has revolutionised the working conditions and the structure of the society, and we have to join hands to utilise the potential of this technology to achieve a level of reliability to export our products,” Mr Nayyar Bukhari said, adding that the knowledge of such technologies should be shared with those trying to progress and prosper.

He said he hoped the Pakistan Vacuum Society (PVS) could help in the development of renewable energy sources, adding that the PVS had provided a forum at which experiences could be shared and goodwill forged.Dr. Peter Verga, head of Surface Science Division of International Union for Vacuum Science, Technique and Applications (IUVSTA), Dr. E. S. Christoph, Director Science Division, IUVSTA, Dr. Seong-Soo Hong from Korean Vacuum Society, Dr. Zhenchao Dong from Chinese Vacuum Society, Dr. Bruce Victor King (Australia), Dr. Reinhard Shwarz (Portugal), Dr. Vladimir Vishn (UK) and Dr. Muzaffar Mahmood (Pakistan) also gave their views on various issues.

Dr. E. S. Christoph from Austria said he humbly disagreed with people who said Pakistan was a poor country.

“I have visited different areas and realise that Pakistan is rich in history, culture and natural resources. Furthermore, its youth is its biggest asset which can change the country’s future,” he said.

After the ceremony, the chief guest distributed prizes to students of various universities and shields and souvenirs to the foreign and local delegates.

Scientists and engineers who participated in the conference belonged to countries including America, Japan, South Korea, France, UK, Russia, Kazakhstan, Argentina, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Austria and Saudi Arabia. Almost 250 delegates from various educational institutions also participated in the conference.