News: CSF recognizes IQRA students for conducting survey
Name of the Newspaper: Pakistan Observer
Date of publication: Saturday, 24 may, 2008
Website: http://www.pakobserver.net/200805/24/news/business03.asp

Karachi-Supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Finance, the Competitiveness Support Fund (CSF) held a certificates distribution ceremony for students and faculty members of Iqra University for their conducting of the Pakistan Executive Opinion Survey 2008 for the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2008-2009. Secretary General of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Mr. M.A Lodhi, awarded the group with certificates of appreciation, acknowledging their contribution and achievements.

"The academia has a very strong role to play in the future development of Pakistan, as research is a crucial element, which provides the industry the base to improve their competitiveness, said Dr. Serwar Azhar, Professor and Head of Department M. Phil Programme at Iqra University. Dr. Serwar further added that "Iqra University is strongly committed to promote initiatives, which will enhance the capacity of our students and create linkages between the industry and academia. This exercise was a remarkable opportunity for us to showcase the need and positive results which such collaborations bring around".

Mr. Lodhi encouraged the student participation, stating that "As our region's economy evolves from a traditional agricultural base to one focused on advanced manufacturing and information and communication technologies, the universities and colleges - the knowledge and innovation cradles - play a nurturing role in creating skills and ideas, and attracting and growing talent.