We look forward to learn from experience of Australia, particularly in field of higher education: Ahsan Iqbal

Islamabad, February 26, 2014 (PPI-OT): Federal Minister for Planning Development and Reforms, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, while meeting with the delegation of Australia’s Aid Program said, “We look forward to learn from the experience of Australia, particularly in the field of higher education, public sector reforms and live stock.

Through mutual cooperation, Australia can make a tangible contribution in the field of human resource development. There is a need to allocate more resources to human resource development and more scholarships should be provided to the public sector institutions in the field of energy, economy and mining for enhancing their capacity”.

Minister appreciated the delegation for providing support in different fields including health, education, rural development and governance. He further informed the delegation about ongoing programs and projects of government.

While discussing about the vision 2025, Federal Minister said, “People should be at the heart of the development strategy and we believe that development should be of people, for the people and by the people. Keeping it in mind, we based Vision 2025 on the following seven pillars; Energy Security, Sustained and inclusive higher growth, private sector leading the growth, modernization of infrastructure, improving competitiveness in industry and trade, resource mobilization, and lastly institutional and governance related reforms. We are working in partnership with the provinces as they hold the key to social sectors after the devolution”.

Ms Bridie Rushton, Director Australia’s Aid Program, commended the plans and programs of the government and showed interest in further enhancing the cooperation for implementing the plans while Mr. Greg Ellis, head of Australia’s Aid Program in Pakistan assured that the ideas and suggestions provided by the minister may be incorporated in the revised Australia’s Aid Program that is to be launched in 2016. He also showed keen interest in enhancing further coordination between the two offices.

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