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National scene: Agreement for producing citric acid signed
A MEMORANDUM of Understanding (MoU) was signed earlier this week by the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Nibge), the PAEC Foundation and the Shafi Resco-Chemicals, Lahore, under which citric acid is to be produced through fermentation of molasses.
This is the PSF’s first project under which a transfer of technology will take place for commercial production of citric acid, leading to socio-economic development in the country, according to a handout. The federal minister for information and broadcasting, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, was the chief guest on the occasion. — PPI
Solar technologies
The Pakistan Council for Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET) intends to introduce various solar energy technologies across the country in a bid to reduce poverty through self-help.
The director-general of PCRET, Dr Pervez Akhtar, recently told a television network that by using latest technologies the farmers could market their produce — including vegetables, fruits and meat — after value addition. Every farmer could develop a small industrial unit, incorporating solar energy driers at the village or the home level. Saline water could also be purified using the technology, he said.
Viable technologies should be used for reducing poverty in the country. Latest technologies should also be used for skill enhancement. — APP
Software companies
Leading software companies and cellular phone operators in the country took part in the ITCN Asia, which was held at the Karachi Expo Centre from Aug 9 to 11.
Computer Associates (CA), one of the world’s largest management software companies used the event to make some announcements regarding its business strategy in Pakistan.
“Pakistan has continued on a steady path to develop its ICT sector, which is driving economic growth throughout the country,” said Ned Jaroudi, the regional marketing director for CA in the Arab countries. He claimed that the positive economic climate had encouraged CA to invest in an effort to support Pakistan’s growing business needs which were a result of its proactive approach towards transforming its economic environment.
“We are pleased to share details on these investments during ITCN Asia 2005,” he added. — APP
Agriculture research
The chairman of the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (Parc), Dr Badaruddin Soomro, recently said the government was committed towards developing the agriculture research sector.
This he stated during the ceremony at which oath was administered to the newly elected members of a scientists’ association at the National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad.
Dr Soomro urged the scientists to focus on making radical changes in the agricultural research system in the country. He said a “science culture” was the need of the hour. Therefore, scientists should get involved in activities which could promote agriculture in line with the government’s policies. — APP
Desalination plant
An American company expressed interest in the 20 million gallons per day desalination plant, proposed to be installed in Keamari. The representatives of the company recently made a presentation on the subject in the Governor’s House.
The governor was among those who were present. In its presentation, the representatives of Provital International Inc. said that in addition to potable water the plant would be producing 100MW of electricity through windmill technology for which the Karachi Port Trust would be providing land. — PPI
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