Academia-industry linkage for economic development stressed

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Muhammad Balighur Rehman on Wednesday called for linkages between academia and industry saying it is vital for the country's economic development.

He was talking to President of the Aga Khan University (AKU) Firoz Rasul, who called on him at the ministry here. During the meeting, the matters related to education came under discussion.

The AKU president shared with the minister the results of a study on the university’s Economic impact of its activities and inputs in Pakistan and said the Centennial International from Washington DC was commissioned for doing the study. The minister appreciated the university's study and declared it 'very authentic'.

He said the universities could play a great role and provide key contribution to the development of economy. "The promotion of education is the priority of our government. Every year, we increase funding for education sector," he said adding that the efforts to further the cause of education would continue.