LAHORE: The Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization and Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, discussed `Academia Industry Research Drive for Food Sector and Food Innovation Competitio`here in City Campus on Wednesday.

Chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation Dr Shahid Mehmood Baig said that conducting research in academia would enhance food production, processing, value addition and export to increase socioeconomic development of the country.

He said there was a need topromote applied research and academia and industry linkages for the uplift of the food sector.

He said the Pakistan Science Foundation was willing to provide technical and financial support to address food sector issues related to food processing, value addition, climate change, food packaging technique, food safety and security etc.

All the participants of the meeting shared their knowledge, and experiences, and identified researchable areas and constraints involved in the development of the food sector in Pakistan.

They called for work on creating awareness among consumers, enhancing the role of food technologists in the food sector,developing of local ingredients and culture for import alternatives, and certification and imparting professional training of fresh graduates.

PUNJAB UNIVERSITY: Chinese Deputy Consul General Kawki visited the Punjab University. Mr Kawki said that they were working on research projects in various fields to explore more opportunities for mutual cooperation.

He said that relations between PU and Chinese universities would be enhanced further and 40 percent of international scholarships were given to Pakistani students before the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said that as the Covid-19 restrictions have relaxed, Pakistani students are again joining universities in China.