Punjab University, China’s University of Jinan Forge Academic-Industrial Research Partnerships

International News Report
By Farzana Chaudhry — Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Punjab University (PU) and University of Jinan, China, have signed landmark agreements to promote collaborative academic and industrial research under the Belt and Road Initiative framework. The agreements were formalized in a special ceremony held at the Vice Chancellor’s Office, with participation from both institutions and industrial partners.

The PU Institute of Polymer and Textile Engineering (IPTE) and the School of Water Conservancy and Environment signed the agreements alongside their Chinese counterparts. Key participants included PU VC Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Prof. Dr. Du Qing from University of Jinan, Zhingsai Group CEO Wang Fuzhou, Dr. Muhammad Abid of Pakistan’s Marjan Polymer Industries, IPTE Director Dr. Shehzad Maqsood, Director External Linkages Dr. Yamina Salman, and faculty members.

The collaboration includes joint scientific, engineering, and technological research, along with faculty and student exchange programs. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali stated that research will focus on soil erosion, environmental restoration, water conservation, and material development. An International Joint Laboratory will be established to advance land and water conservation and environmental rehabilitation.

He described the agreements as a historic step toward practical collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese academia and industries, emphasizing that these initiatives will advance sustainable development goals and create new opportunities for scientific innovation and industrial growth.

The VC added that this partnership marks a new chapter in Pak-China friendship, highlighting the strategic role of joint research projects in fostering economic, technological, and environmental progress in both nations.