-Meets with Director Protocol and International Engagement Yasmahne Hanel
-Holds talks with VP of Griffith University, President and VC of University of Queensland
CANBERRA: High Commissioner, Babar Amin held a joint meeting at Department of Premierand Cabinet with Director International Markets, Trade and Investment of Queensland, David Phipps; Director International Markets Education, Scott Asthon; Manager of City Parklands, Marcus Mulholland; Executive Director Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Elton Miller; and Director Protocol and International Engagement, Yasmahne Hanel.
According to a presser released on Sunday, the High Commissioner appreciated the close and friendly relations between Pakistan and Australia. He underscored the need to enhance trade and economic relations between the two sides. He briefed on various incentives being provided by the Government of Pakistan to companies that plan to invest in Pakistan.
He stated that Australian companies could invest in a number of areas in Pakistan including, agriculture, fisheries, aqua feed, quarantine and phytosanitary projects, education sector, SMEs, etc.
He briefed about bilateral trade opportunities between the two countries. The High Commissioner also raised the issue of Pakistani students stranded in Pakistan who were unable to join their universities in Australia due to Covid-19 related travel restrictions.
Days earlier, Mr. Amin met with the VicePresident of Griffith University Prof Sarah Toddon 31 May 2021.
He appreciated the close cooperation between the University of Griffith and Pakistani universities. He appreciated that the Griffith University and HEC had signed a Document of Understanding which would facilitate Pakistani students planning to study in Australia.
The High Commissioner stated that the two sides needed to explore signing of articulation agreements, student exchanges, online/virtual courses between the two sides. He also informed that Pakistan Education Profile had been submitted with the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and hoped that the Pakistan Education Profile would be revised soon.
Separately, Mr. Babar also met with the President and Vice-Chancellor of University of Queensland Prof Deborah Terry and Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Jessica Gallagher. The High Commissioner appreciated the close
cooperation in the field of education between Pakistan and Australia.
He added that over 11,500 students were studying in Australia including Higher Education Commission (HEC) scholars and Australian Award recipients.
These students were positively contributing to the progress and development of Australia.
The High Commissioner hoped that the Queensland University and HEC would conclude the Document of Understanding at the earliest, which would facilitate Pakistani students planning to study in Australia.
The High Commissioner also stated that the two sides may explore university-to-university linkages, articulation agreements, joint collaborative research and establishment of Centre of Excellence and off-shore campuses.
The High Commissioner raised the issue of Pakistani students who could not join their Universities in Australia due to Covid-19 travel restriction and hoped that the universities in coordination with the local government would devise a strategy for their early return.
Prof Deborah appreciated the High Commissions efforts and informed that the university was working with State government to welcome students back.
The Vice Chancellor thanked the High Commissioner for visiting Queensland University. She briefed the High Commissioner about different aspects of research and education at the University’s campus.
She said that there are ample joint research opportunities with Pakistan in different fields including, biosciences, women in leadership role, agriculture, aggrotech, etc.
She also expressed interest to sign articulation agreement and other forms of cooperation with Pakistani universities.
The High Commissioner also held separate meetings with Mr. Michael Holder, Manager, Sponsored Students, Global Engagement and Entrepreneurship; Professor Irina Vetter; Associate Professor Bryan Fry; Professor Shazia Sadiq and Dr. Shabbir Ahmad.–PR
