The first educational trade partnership between academic institutes in Scotland and Pakistan will be signed today. (April 10 – 11am Pakistan time/7am GMT)  

 

It builds on a Scottish Chambers of Commerce co-operation agreement brokered during a major inward trade delegation to Scotland.   

 

The Memorandum of Understanding has been arranged by SCC global ambassador to Pakistan Dr Jeanette Forbes OBE and Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, with both the Scottish and UK governments involved in the discussions with the Pak UK Business Council (FPCCI) to boost international relationships and trade. 

Mrs Forbes spearheaded the visit to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad to develop strategic business and educational connections and identify new international opportunities for Scottish companies and academia. 

 

The successful entrepreneur said: “I’ve worked with the SCC and the FPCCI for a number of years and visited Pakistan on several occasions to establish a foundation on which to build strong business and educational links and I’m delighted to see this collaboration pay off in the signing of the MOU’s. 

 

“Having facilitated the visit of the RGU delegation in September with the support of the FPCCI and chairman Imran Khalil Naseer and seen what can be achieved, I view this as only the start of a tremendous opportunity for other universities to engage with Pakistan. 

 

“Work now continues to bring other sectors to the table to explore and maximise the benefits our export and import markets can achieve for both countries.” 

 

SCC Chief executive Dr Liz Cameron CBE said: “We are delighted to be building on our successful partnership with Pak UK Business Council to showcase Scotland's exporting capabilities and enable Robert Gordon University to deliver joint degree programmes.  

 

“We have opened the gate for businesses and educational institutes to build on these important contacts and relationships and, at a critical time when Scotland faces increasing challenges in terms of global trade, we are fortunate to have Jeanette promoting our expertise, knowledge and investment opportunities.  

 

“It builds on our collaborative approach with the Westminster and Holyrood governments to work together to secure new markets and new opportunities.” 

FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh added: “I’m delighted to see the work by the Pak UK Business Council and the SCC to bring businesses on both sides closer and I congratulate the signatories on this momentous occasion. 

 

“Pakistan is keen on providing Scotland with our finest home textiles, food products, IT services and skilled labour and I look forward to more collaborations in areas of mutual interest.” 

 

FPCCI Chairman Imran Khalil Naseer added: “The coming together of major educational institutes of Scotland and Pakistan marks the start of a new era and I’m delighted to hear about RGU’s MoUs with IQRA and LUMS.  We envisage both countries pro-actively enhancing further collaborations in multiple sectors. 

 

 “We also acknowledge the great partnership we have, led by the SCC and their Global Trade Ambassador Dr Forbes, and all their efforts in making this happen together with the FPCCI Board members who facilitated RGU’s engagements and collaborations.” 

 

The international trip includes visits to the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, The University of Punjab, Lahore University of Management Science, Beaconhouse National University, Superior University, the University of Engineering and Technology, The National College of Arts, Bahria University and the National University of Sciences and Technology.

 

It follows the SCC signing of a MoU with Greater New York Chamber of Commerce during an international trade mission as part of the Tartan Week celebrations. Charandeep Singh, Deputy Chief Executive of SCC, said: “These MoUs lay the groundwork to enhance enduring economic partnerships and showcase Scotland as a world-leading destination for trade and investment.”