TOBA TEK SINGH: Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins on Wednesday stressed the need for joint efforts to cope with agriculture and climate change challenges.

During a visit to the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Mr Hawkins said the groundwater table in Pakistan was gradually decreasing, which was a challenge.

He also called on deans, directors and UAF faculty alumni from Australian universities.

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Country Manager Munawar Kazmi, and deans of social sciences. sciences, animal husbandry, veterinary sciences and engineering faculties of the UAF were also present.

The high commissioner said educational and agricultural ties between the two countries would be further strengthened.

“We need to learn from each other’s experiences,” he added.

He appreciated the education and research work at the UAF.

Mr Hawkins also visited the research area of chickpea, citrus, mango, wheat and the Centre for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security.

AGREEMENT: Faisalabad National Textile University(NTU) and China Textile Engineering Society have signed an agreement to establish a modern training centre in Pakistan.

NTU focal person Engineer Dr Hafsa Javed told the media on Wednesday that under the agreement, an international textile science and technology training centre would be established jointly by the two institutions at the NTU.

She said the institute would not only provide training, but also work for exchange of teachers and industrial research.

She said the agreement was a positive development for promoting cooperation between the textile sectors of the two countries, and would help develop local textile sector on modern lines.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2023