The South China University of Technology (SCUT) China and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Tuesday inked a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in the areas of academia and research to get benefit from each other experiences.

The South China University of Technology (SCUT) China and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Tuesday inked a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in the areas of academia and research to get benefit from each other experiences. According to agreement, National Institute of Food Science and Technology, UAF and Centre for Polymer from Renewable Resources School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, SCUT, will run the joint research and capacity building projects keeping in view the demands of ever-increasing population and emerging challenges of 21st century. The MoU approved by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan was duly signed by SCUT's Centre Director Prof Dr Long Yu and NIFSAT Director General Prof Dr Masood Sadiq Butt. The both parties will also collaborate in jointly organizing courses, seminars, conferences and study tour ; exchange of academic and professional staff; and exchange of students within the graduate studies. It was also agreed upon that the technical assistance will be provided by both parties for the development of active food packaging films to extend the shelf life of food and food products. Dr Long Yu said that collaboration will open up new avenue of progress. He said that besides other collaborated work, special projects will be initiated in the field of food packaging, biopolymer and biodegradable packaging for efficient use of resources. Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that Pakistan China Economic Corridor was an hallmark step that will open the new chapter of glory and development. He said that China Confucius Centre had been established at the campus that will help in fostering the cultural exchange programme. He said that UAF was enjoying good relations with Chinese institutes based on brotherhood. Prof Dr Masood Sadiq Butt said that a degree programme in Human Nutrition and Dietetics had been launched by NIFSAT in order to address the nutrition problems