ISLAMABAD, Aug 28: Science and technology offered tremendous opportunity for enhanced and sustainable production, environmental protection and income improvement, leading to comprehensive food security and overall prosperity in Saarc member countries.

This was stated by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Nouraiz Shakoor Khan. He was speaking at the 2nd meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Technical Committee on Science & Technology and Meteorology here on Monday.

“The most pressing need of the Saarc region is alleviation of hunger and poverty through enhanced and sustained production, equitable distribution, and environmental protection. Science and technology can specifically address the needs of the majority of small farmers of the region,” the minister said.

Only a meaningful interaction between Saarc countries, in science and technology could bring the much needed congruence among productivity, sustainability, profitability and equity, he added.

The minister said scientists and technologists had to play a vital role in the development of Saarc region. They should struggle for the maintenance and improvement of our scientific and technological institutions because it was progress that guaranteed the development of products.

“Investments in research and development have become increasingly decisive for the success of nations. Production of knowledge is a complex and difficult task, demanding time and dedication besides well-equipped laboratories and the necessary financial resources for their maintenance. The knowledge, thus, produced, should be aimed at meeting the needs of the society and should improve the quality of life for our populations,” the minister said.

He emphasised that research and technological development should be a joint effort of universities, research centres and private enterprises for Saarc countries.

“To rely exclusively on technology transfer from the developed countries would deepen the existing crisis. It is extremely difficult for the developing countries to gain access to new technologies monopolised by large multinational corporations among others involved with certain high technology sectors,” he said.

Emphasising on joint scientific-technological projects and strategic agreements fundamental for creation of new products, the minister said partnerships favoured access to knowledge and techniques.

It allows following the technological progress. Cooperative practices represent an efficient mechanism for reducing high costs, risks and uncertainties of research and development activities and removing obstacles for the development of technologies.

“Pakistan cannot make major headway unless we have highly qualified scientists and engineers. During last few years, the development budget of S&T has been increased manifolds. As many as 49 projects worth Rs3.9 billion of PCSIR have been approved.”

The minister stressed that Pakistan shared its experiences with Saarc members because most of their problems were common.

“We have witnessed Saarc for the last few years growing as an institution and playing a vital role for future development in member countries. Friendly relationship between Pakistan and India and other major partners in Saarc has strengthened this platform for conducting joint programmes in different fields of S&T and meteorology.

In his inaugural speech, Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Chairman Dr Javed Arshad Mirza said: “Pakistan is very much committed to playing its role to uplift the scientific infrastructure in the country and to extending help and cooperation to Saarc members.”