Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain inaugurated the Japan–Pakistan Development Centre at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) terming it a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the Federal Minister said that equipping young people with modern skills and international languages is a pressing need of the time and the newly established centre will play a key role in this regard.
He added that the centre will promote educational, cultural and economic cooperation between the two countries and further strengthen Pakistan–Japan friendship.
He also said that the centre will help open new opportunities for Pakistani youth in entrepreneurship and professional development in Japan.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi as a special guest. Prior to the event, the Federal Minister, the Japanese Ambassador and AIOU Vice Chancellor participated in a tree plantation drive followed by special prayers for the progress and prosperity of both countries. The event began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Japan.
AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood said that the establishment of the Japan–Pakistan Development Centre is an important milestone in strengthening educational and cultural relations between the two countries.
He stated that AIOU has always focused on modern education, research, and international collaboration and the centre reflects this vision.
Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi appreciated the strong relations between Pakistan and Japan and said that cooperation in education will continue to grow in the future.
He expressed hope that the centre will provide students with opportunities to learn the Japanese language and enhance their professional skills.
Dr Saima Nasir, Additional Director at the Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization said that such initiatives promote research, innovation, and international collaboration.
She added that the centre will expose students and researchers to Japanese language, culture and modern scientific trends, strengthening the university’s research capacity.
During the ceremony, a Japanese language class and the “Read Japan Project” library section were also inaugurated. Library Incharge Syed Ghulam Kazim Ali briefed the guests about the Read Japan Project and its facilities.
