India has pulled out of Twelfth Session of the Governing Council of the Asia-Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) at the eleventh hour amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear states.
Ministry of Science and Technology officials told media that initially, New Delhi had confirmed its participation in the three-day session of the Governing Council of the APCTT, which kicked off in Islamabad on Monday.
“Just hours before the meeting was due to start, the Indian delegation cancelled their trip saying that their head delegate had contracted food poisoning.”
India had earlier in November boycotted the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) that was to be held in Islamabad.
It is believed that New Delhi’s decision is part of its efforts to isolate Pakistan internationally by staying away from such multilateral engagements hosted by Islamabad.
An international conference is also part of three-day GC Session to discuss the role of public policies in facilitating innovation and effective partnerships for sustainable development.
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain inaugurated the GC and the International Conference on Innovation Strategies for Sustainable Development.
Addressing the inaugural session of the conference, Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government gave priority to the implementation of 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals.
The Governing Council comprises fourteen members States including China, Fiji, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Korea, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
APCTT is a specialised regional Institute of the United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (UN-ESCAP), based in New Delhi.
Its key role is to assist member states through strengthening their capabilities to develop and manage their National Innovation Systems focusing on strengthening technology driven sustainable development. The governing council comprises 14 members including Bangladesh, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
“The conference will provide a platform and opportunity to all these member countries to share and exchange best international practices, policies and plans in order to encourage innovative entrepreneurship as well as technology transfer,” said the official.
There will be thematic discussions where political and business leaders introduce strategic policy issues for sustainable development. The exchange of policy experience will also contribute to building capacity for participants from the member states.
Read more: SAARC summit postponed after India, allies pull out
[…] Source: Pakistan Today […]
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