Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, in partnership with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad and Xi’an Jiaotong University China, has launched a two-day international conference titled ‘CPEC Energy Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Transformations: Challenges, Opportunities, and Sustainable Development.’
The event has drawn experts and scholars from China, Turkia, Malaysia, and other countries, alongside representatives from Pakistan’s four provinces, to discuss critical challenges and opportunities under the CPEC framework.
The inaugural session, held in the university’s main auditorium, was presided over by SAU Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Marri, who emphasized CPEC’s transformative potential in boosting Pakistan’s exports to Europe via China, Kazakhstan, and Astana.
Highlighting the framework’s role in fostering cultural ties and addressing poverty and food insecurity, Dr Marri suggested adopting China’s developmental models. He also stressed utilizing arid and coastal regions for agriculture, developing energy projects through agricultural residues, and enhancing productivity, mechanization, and processing industries in agriculture.
Dr Marri highlighted the need for technology transfer from China in the fields of crop seeds and livestock breeds to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable development.
Dr Taha Hussain Ali, Vice Chancellor of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, praised SAU for organizing the conference on a pivotal theme. He remarked that the research presented would offer valuable insights and solutions to Pakistan’s socio-economic challenges.
Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, advocated for actionable initiatives under the Green Pakistan Green Initiative. Noting that 28,000 Pakistani students are currently studying in Chinese universities, with 99% on scholarships. He proposed using Karachi’s cattle farms for biomass energy and fertilizer production.
Prof Quanbao Jiang of Xi’an Jiaotong University underscored CPEC’s significance as a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative, noting its over $60 billion investment in energy, transport, and industrial zones. He highlighted its potential to transform Pakistan’s economy and enhance regional connectivity.
Dr Rasool Bux Mahar, Vice Chancellor of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology and Skill Development, Khairpur Mirs; Dr Rafiq Ahmed Memon, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mirpurkhas; FAO Sindh Office Head James Robert Okoth; and Professor Dr Mithat from Turkey also spoke on the occasion.