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LAHORE, Nov 20 (APP):Philippine Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Fernandez said on Thursday that Pakistan and Philippines continue to cooperate in economic, educational, and cultural fields, and currently, the trade balance favours Pakistan.
Addressing a session here at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the ambassador noted that Pakistan can export many products to the Philippines, including rice and surgical instruments, while there are opportunities to import electrical appliances and vehicle parts from the Philippines.
He stated that relationship between the two countries spans over seven decades, and the Philippines was among the first countries that had recognized Pakistan shortly after its independence.
In his keynote address, the LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol said that cooperation under “educational diplomacy” with the Philippine Embassy is extremely important for the future of both countries. He emphasized that in today’s world, nations which prioritize education, research, human resource development, and academic collaboration are the ones that progress.
The Ambassador said the Philippine education system follows an American model, providing globally recognized education in English at low cost. He added that Pakistan and Philippines can open many new paths for development by focusing on education. He concluded by quoting Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
At the event, Philippine Honorary Consul General Fahad Sheikh gave a detailed presentation on the Philippine education system, highlighting how students can benefit from it.
LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol emphasized that Pakistan has an excellent education system, offering higher education in medicine, engineering, social sciences, information technology, arts, services, and research. He stated that Pakistani universities can cooperate with Philippine universities through joint degrees, exchange programs, collaborative research, and short-term courses, creating wide opportunities for both countries.
He further noted that the Philippines holds a strong global position in education, especially in nursing, maritime, hospitality, agriculture, and information technology, with its universities recognized worldwide. He said Pakistan and the Philippines can combine their educational strengths to mutually benefit students, teachers, industry, and research sectors. He expressed hope that this meeting would lay a strong and meaningful foundation for practical cooperation, exchange programs, and joint research projects in the future.
The session was attended by LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Special Representative of the Prime Minister Rizwan Ahmed, Executive Committee members Ehtisham ul Haq, Waqas Aslam, Muhammad Muneeb Manon, Ahad Amin Malik, Syed Salman Ali, Firdous Nasar, Amna Randhawa, Shaban Akhtar, and former Vice President Faisal Iqbal Sheikh. Also present were Philippine Honorary Consul Generals in Lahore, Fahad Sheikh, and in Karachi, Imran Yousaf.
Vice Chancellors, Principals, and Deans of various universities and colleges also attended, including Kinnaird College for Women, University of Management and Technology, Noor University, Information Technology University, University of Lahore, Hailey College of Commerce, Lahore College for Women University, Minhaj University, Beaconhouse University, University of Home Economics, Lahore Leads University, Bahria University, and Fatima Jinnah Medical University.