Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi, Executive Director COMSATS, participated in the 3rd Meeting of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Bio-economy Committee held in Islamabad on 27 July 2019. Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Zaidi focused on how linkages between universities and industry/business community can spur green economic growth. He opined that cutting edge technology was needed for enhancing the potential of the private sector which the business community was best placed to acquire. Commercialization of research done in silos at various forums can only be achieved if the industry was inclined towards identifying the areas of research which would enhance their industrial capabilities. This guided activity was essential for high dividends both for the business community and academia.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Fauzia Nasreen opined that there was an inextricable nexus between energy, environment, food security and health and the Committee members desired to deal with them in a holistic manner. It would be appropriate in her view to constitute sub-groups in these areas who could analyze various dimensions and make recommendations for the Committee’s consideration. This would enable the Committee to select specific areas where potential existed for the researchers, and business community with strong positive impact on the social sector.