LAHORE, March 28: Punjab Education Minister Imran Masood has said that the trend of joining foreign universities for higher education is a healthy sign for economic and academic future of the country.

He was talking to reporters after the opening ceremony of two-day 17th Pakistan International Exhibition held under the aegis of World Learning Bureau (WLB) in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission, the Punjab education department and the British Council at a local hotel on Wednesday.

He said the trend that youths were joining foreign universities would result in providing qualified experts for market, industry and education sector.

He said the higher education alone could put the country on road to progress and prosperity. He hoped that this exhibition would prove to be a source of inspiration for the students.

Mr Masood said such exhibitions would help enhance the image of Pakistan besides developing friendly relations and economic and cultural exchange.

The minister stressed that public and private educational institutions should bring their students at the exhibition and enable them to get maximum knowledge regarding the scope for higher education.

The minister along with WLB director Rashidul Haq visited the exhibition.

Stalls have been set by higher education institutions in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, the USA, Malaysia, North Cyprus, the UAE and China.