Horizon 2020 to launch in Islamabad

Pakistan will launch Horizon 2020 in the capital Islamabad next month. The EU ambassador to Pakistan, Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, made the announcement during a meeting with Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Zahid Hamid.

Areas of mutual interest and co-operation in various fields were discussed at the meeting. The minister also said the EU-funded Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA II) Programme would help increase exports to international markets as well as play an important role in improving the life standards of Pakistani citizens. Hamid also praised the EU’s efforts in Science and Technology and thanked the EU delegation for granting GSP (Generalised scheme of preferences) plus status to Pakistan.

The minister said: “Through this status, the concept of ‘Trade Not Aid’ will be materialised, which will not only increase our exports to EU markets but will bring economic prosperity and social development in the country.”

Pierre Mayaudon, deputy head of the EU delegation, and Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Kamran Ali Qureshi attended the meeting.