LCCI, LCWU sign MoU to promote women’s employability

LAHORE, Jul 02 (APP): Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) here Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening industry-academia collaboration, promoting research and innovation, enhancing women’s employability and creating stronger linkages between academia and the business community.

The MoU was signed by LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol and LCWU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Uzma Quraishi. LCCI Convener Standing Committee on Industry-Academia Linkage Umer Saleem, Executive Committee Member Rana Shoban Akhtar, Dr. Ayesha Sadiqa, Dr. Ayesha Khalil, Dr. Faiza Iftikhar and Dr. Saima Sharif were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that strong collaboration between universities and industry is essential for sustainable economic growth, innovation and the development of a skilled workforce. He said that Pakistan’s universities possess immense intellectual potential which should be effectively connected with the industrial sector to produce market-driven research and practical solutions.

He said that women constitute a significant segment of the country’s human resource and empowering them through quality education, practical exposure and entrepreneurship will contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic development. He added that LCCI is committed to supporting young talent by providing opportunities for internships, interaction with industry leaders and exposure to real business environments.

Saigol said that business community welcomes academia’s involvement in addressing industrial challenges through applied research. He noted that closer engagement between researchers and entrepreneurs would help enhance productivity, innovation, exports and competitiveness of Pakistani industries.

According to the MoU, LCCI will facilitate internship opportunities for LCWU students wherever possible and encourage its members to deliver lectures and interactive sessions to share practical business knowledge and professional experience. Both organizations will also exchange research publications and information relating to international trade, government regulations, WTO frameworks, quality standards, food innovation, textiles and other areas relevant to industry and the economy.

Under the agreement, both institutions will jointly organize seminars, workshops, conferences and awareness sessions on subjects of mutual interest. The partnership also provides for collaboration in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, curriculum development, commercialization of research, internships and industry engagement to better prepare students for the evolving needs of the national and international marketplace.

The agreement further provides for LCWU to undertake demand-driven research in collaboration with LCCI, involve the business community in postgraduate research topics where applicable, and engage LCCI nominees in curriculum development and review to ensure greater industry relevance.

Both institutions will also collaborate through the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) to promote joint research projects, startup incubation, product development, innovation and commercialization while utilizing available research infrastructure and specialized laboratories for mutual benefit.