Speaking as Chief Guest at the Inter-University Business Plan Competition, jointly organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), and local universities on October 3, 2023 at Islamabad, Executive Director COMSATS, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, underscored the importance of academia-industry collaboration.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Zakaria highlighted the need for stronger alignment between the education sector and the industrial landscape. He commended the organizers for their visionary initiative and called upon the business community to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government in supporting budding entrepreneurs. Ambassador Zakaria also praised the young talents participating in the competition and urged the business community to support young talent.

Furthermore, Ambassador Nafees Zakaria applauded ICCI for spearheading this platform that enables university students to showcase their innovative business concepts and attract potential investors for commercialization of their ideas.

The President of ICCI, Mr. Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, stated that the primary objective of the competition was to provide a robust platform to young aspiring entrepreneurs to present their innovative business proposals and garner attention of potential investors.

Senior Vice President of ICCI, Mr. Faad Waheed, noted that the industry has a dearth of skilled work force, which hinders overall industrial productivity. He advocated closer ties between academia and industry and supporting young graduates for meeting the demands of the job market.