MoU inked for collaboration in research

Islamabad : Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) has formalised a partnership with Social Protection Resource Centre (SPRC) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MOU aims at enhancing collaboration in research and policy dialogue with a special focus on intra-regional trade, economic integration and connectivity. The MoU was signed by Sohail Mahmood, Director-General, ISSI, and Dr Safdar Sohail, Executive Director, SPRC. Sohail Mahmood underscored ISSI’s commitment to foster collaboration with think-tanks and research institutions with niche area specialisation like the SPRC. He underlined that such partnerships are mutually-advantageous, enabling both the sides to bring together their strengths and produce fruitful inputs for relevant stakeholders. He proposed a joint study focused on regional trade frameworks, particularly keeping in view the importance of economic integration.

Despite existing commitments, intra-regional trade remains at a low level due to myriad of factors including political, economic and technical. He highlighted the importance of organisations such as SAARC, ECO and D-8 in this context. Similarly, he stressed the need for devoting more focused attention to India-Pakistan trade matters with a view to evaluating the relevant issues on the basis of facts and data and bringing clarity to the public discourse.