RAWALPINDI, Aug 22: Under the Asia Link Programme for research and human resources development, four universities in France, UK, China and Pakistan will receive Euro 400,000 from the European Commission (EC).

This was announced by the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) here on Friday. The grant will provide an opportunity to Nust to broaden the research canvas and address the need for improving the higher education situation in Pakistan, specially the acute shortage of suitably qualified faculty in technical areas such as information technology and computer sciences.

The Nust press release said the university would work in synergy with the University of Savoie Annecy, France; University of West England, UK; and Beijing Institute of Technology, China. It said, in the larger context, the project would provide a vibrant opportunity to the people of Pakistan, who have an enormous potential to contribute to the world social, economical, and technological growth, resulting in the development of enlightened leaders and sustained growth of the country.

The press release said from broader perspective, this consolidated effort would provide the platform for close and better understanding of the EU among present and future Pakistani academic, political, and business decision makers, facilitating economic cooperation and cultural exchange.