HEC, French Embassy Sign MoU
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Embassy of France signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday, whereby the Embassy will facilitate the Commission for selection of candidates for award of HEC scholarships and training in French Language in Pakistan.
Dr. Sohail Naqvi, Executive Director, HEC and Mr. Daniel Jouannueau, Ambassador of France to Pakistan signed the agreement at the Commission Secretariat. Dr. Javaid R. Laghari, Chairman HEC, presided over the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador said that this is a joint investment of the Governments of Pakistan and France. He said that HEC scholars in France enjoy the same facilities as the French students. The Ambassador appreciated the performance of Pakistani scholars studying in different universities of France.
Dr. Javaid Laghari said that in addition to strengthening the human resource, the programme is a great source of cultural exchange between the two countries. He said that on average 100 HEC scholars will return from France every year, adding that same number of scholars will leave for France every year in the coming years.
The Chairman emphasized that the research done by our scholars has to be transferred to the commercial and industrial sectors, which will definitely help in improving the overall economic condition of the country. “We are also looking forward to enhanced collaborative research between the scholars and universities of both the countries,” he added.
Dr. Sohail Naqvi said that this agreement is yet another milestone in the longstanding relationship of HEC and the French Government. He said that the Pakistani scholars are studying in the best institutions of France. The Executive Director said that cooperation began by sending nine scholars in 2003-04 and gradually increased to around 100 students a year. “Till date, HEC has sent 564 scholars in the reputable universities of France for PhD studies,” he said.
With the successful completion of PhD studies of HEC scholars, the return of PhDs to Pakistan has begun and so far 15 scholars have returned from France after successful completion of their studies and are serving in public sector universities and R&D organizations.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Riaz Hussain Qureshi, Adviser (HRD) HEC said that the joint committee of HEC and France, comprising the higher education and science attachés of the French Embassy, French scientists and representative from HEC interviewed 113 candidates in November in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad for the award of HEC scholarships under the project entitled “Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil leading to PhD in Selected Fields, Phase-II”, out of which 24 candidates have been selected for the scholarships. These scholars are currently studying French language course in Lahore and Islamabad.