The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) and the National University of Technology (NUTECH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining their commitment to establishing NUTECH Karachi Campus (NKC) on a 50-acre plot of land provided by the Airport Security Force (ASF) along the M-9 Superhighway.
The agreement, signed by President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh and Rector NUTECH Islamabad Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Moazzam Ejaz, emphasizes the development of NKC academics, research, and skills based on export-focused strategies.
Through NKC, NUTECH and KCCI plan to collaborate on intellectual, research, academic, and professional endeavors aimed at fostering the creation, development, and export of indigenous industrial knowledge, technologies, and skills. This collaboration aims to benefit Karachi-based industries by promoting import substitution, technology upgrading, value addition, and export enhancement.
The MoU signing ceremony at KCCI was attended by dignitaries including Director General ASF Maj. Gen. Adnan Asif Jha Shad, Pro Rector NUTECH Maj. Gen. Khalid Javed, and various members of the Businessmen Group (BMG) and KCCI leadership.
Rector NUTECH Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Moazzam Ejaz praised Karachi’s vital role in contributing 70 percent of national revenue, calling it a “locomotive force” driving Pakistan’s economy. He highlighted NUTECH’s recognition as one of the world’s most innovative universities in 2023 and expressed optimism about NKC becoming a reality, providing skilled workers tailored to Karachi’s industrial needs.
Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala acknowledged the role of the private sector in Pakistan’s economic development and the need for improvement in public sector institutions. He emphasized NUTECH’s commitment to enhancing exports by creating expertise in Pakistan and its role in Karachi’s development.
Under the KCCI-NUTECH MoU, a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be established, with a majority of representatives from KCCI, to review curricula, oversee NKC industry projects, and support industry through academic programs. The JWG will identify technical and vocational skills needed for Karachi’s industries, facilitate exports, and develop technology platforms for value-added products.
President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh highlighted the mutual desire of KCCI and NUTECH to forge long-term partnerships aimed at promoting technological innovations and economic activities in Pakistan. The collaboration is expected to lead to the development of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, 5G Technology, and Cybersecurity, as well as the promotion of startups, addressing societal challenges, and enhancing economic and social well-being.
