ISLAMABAD
ONLINE
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) and Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work jointly towards creating a knowledge economy.
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Shaban Khalid and HEC Executive Director Prof Dr Mansoor Akbar Kundi signed the MoU. ICCI is the foremost chamber with a progressive and innovative approach to sign such MoU with HEC recognising the importance of strengthening the connection of academia, schools and universities with the industry to move towards a knowledge economy.
ICCI and HEC agreed to conduct joint research to understand the current trends of students and to use the information to inculcate an entrepreneurial mindset among graduates, thus nurturing a conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. HEC and ICCI shall work jointly for setting up Incubation and Skills Development Centre to produce knowledgeable and skilled workforce for industry including modern management skills.
ICCI shall contribute its input to HEC for development of a demand-driven entrepreneurship curriculum for schools and universities. HEC will also consult with ICCI to get private sector’s input for curriculum development in conformity with the human resource needs of trade and industry. ICCI shall cooperate with HEC in providing internship placements to university students in the local industry as well as in corporate sector.
Addressing the MoU signing ceremony, Higher Education Commission Chairperson Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed termed it a positive initiative for the benefit of students and industry. He said both organisations should take practical steps to implement the MoU of cooperation in order to achieve its desired results for the betterment of our country. Signing of the document is the first step which should be followed by some tangible measures to make progress towards achieving the set objectives of MoU.