ISLAMABAD, JAN 24 /DNA/ – The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and Riphah International University have announced a joint effort to organize a major conference aimed at strengthening the link between industry and academia. This conference will involve collaboration with other universities in the region, focusing on finding practical solutions to align academic research with the needs of the industry, particularly in developing market-driven and export-oriented products.

The decision to organize the conference was made during a meeting between  Hassan Mohammad Khan, Chancellor of Riphah International University, and Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, President of ICCI, at the Chamber House in Islamabad. The event seeks to address key challenges faced by the business community and to create a robust platform for youth involvement in economic and business activities.

Khan emphasized that Riphah University is committed to conducting high-quality research in close collaboration with the business community, especially the ICCI, to meet industry needs and have a positive social and economic impact on Pakistan. He highlighted that with 60% of Pakistan’s population being youth, there is immense potential to drive the country’s economic advancement by integrating them into business activities.

Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, President of ICCI, reaffirmed the Chamber’s dedication to fostering strong industry-university relationships. He explained that ICCI, in collaboration with universities, will gather research-based projects from graduates, select promising products, and present them to the business community for financial support and investment, helping bring these ideas to market. This initiative aims to resolve issues faced by businesses while contributing to job creation and economic growth.

Additionally, the ICCI leadership, including Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui and Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, continues to focus on addressing the concerns of the trading community and is actively engaged with relevant authorities like the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and IESCO to find solutions that will ease the process of doing business in Islamabad.

The upcoming conference is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing Pakistan’s economic landscape by fostering collaboration between academia and industry, driving innovation, and ultimately contributing to national prosperity.

Major General Syed Guftar Shah ( Retd)  and renowned businessman Chaudhry Nazakat Ali of Paris Limousie Service New York also held meetings with the ICCI President, discussing potential collaborative efforts to promote business growth. Their discussions highlighted the importance of cross-sector partnerships in driving economic development, underscoring their commitment to fostering stronger business connections and creating opportunities for mutual success.