‘R&D key to economic growth spur’

Research and development hold great importance in spurring economic growth in a developing country like Pakistan, Federal Science and Technology Minister Changez Khan Jamali said on Tuesday. He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the new pilot plants and workshop at the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR).
The minister was of the view that the newly developed pilot plants and workshop at PCSIR Laboratories Complex Karachi will play a vital role for the pilot scale production of commercially important products and processes developed by the scientists of the council. He pointed out that there is no dearth of talent and capability in the country and only a proper environment is needed.
Jamali asked the scientific community to be engaged in creative activities and work hard for a better position for the country in the comity of nations. He was of the view that the imbalance between exports and imports can be lessened by effectively using the local raw materials and indigenous technology and that in this regard an organisation such as the PCSIR should lead the way. The minister pointed out that we are living in an era of knowledge-based economy and stressed that our R&D organisations should give more emphasis and priority to emerging technologies like nano technology, biotechnology, electronics, materials and crop sciences etc.
He also appreciated the efforts of scientists and engineers of the PCSIR as well as of the officials of Ministry of Science and Technology in establishing the new pilot plants and workshop. Dr Shoukat Parvez, chairman of the PCSIR, delivered the welcome address. He said that the new workshop and pilot plants have been completed through funding of Ministry of Science and Technology. The chairman pointed out that the PCSIR is also contributing significantly in human resource development.
Dr Tanzil Haider Usmani, director general of the PCSIR Karachi Laboratories Complex Karachi and Shamim Ahmad Shamsi, former president of the KCCI, also expressed their views on the occasion.