Pakistan High Commissioner Babar Amin has offered establishment of offshore campuses and MoU in Labour migration between Pakistan and Australia.
He made multiple offers during a whole of the government virtual round-table meeting of Northern Territory (NT) on Monday. The participants from NT included, Senior Director Strategic Engagement Wendy Pritchard; Horticulture Group Leader Muhammad Sohail Mazhar; Senior Executive Director Agriculture Division Philip Hausler; Director Trade Development Gina Cassimatis; Director Study Larnie Batten; and Director Migration Pompea Sweet.
The High Commissioner informed about the government of Pakistan’s focus on geo-economic development. He highlighted the various incentives being offered by the government to businesses to invest in Pakistan.
The High Commissioner stated that agriculture was a priority area for Pakistan. He proposed cooperation in value addition of food products, fisheries, livestock, and development of supply and cold chains in agriculture. He further called for cooperation between government research institutes of both sides.
Highlighting the importance of education sector, the High Commissioner informed that currently there were 11,500 Pakistani students studying in Australia. There was huge potential for more Pakistani students to opt for studies in Australia.
He proposed cooperation in joint collaboration, student exchanges, articulation agreements, establishment of offshore campuses and Centres of Excellence. He also raised the issue of Pakistani international students unable to come to Australia due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. He requested that they may be given priority once the Australian government eases travel restrictions for international students.
Ms. Wendy Pritchard, Senior Director Strategic Engagement gave a presentation on the economic landscape of NT. She informed that the government of NT had set a target of AUD 40 billion economy with focus on research and development, innovation, skilled and capable workforce, and industry development.
Horticulture Group Leader Muhammad Sohail Mazhar highlighted opportunities in cooperation in the agricultural sector including in horticulture, aquaculture, tourism, forestry, etc. He also informed about the on-going university-to-university cooperation in agriculture sector between the two sides.
Director Migration Pompea Sweet informed about the skilled migration opportunities in NT. The High Commissioner proposed that the two sides may consider signing an MoU in Labour migration between Pakistan and Australia.
Both sides agreed to continue to work together to enhance cooperation in trade & investment, agriculture, migration, education and science and technology.
