Pakistan Scientific and Technological Information Centre, (PASTIC), Islamabad and Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, (RCCI), signed a memorandum of understanding to develop cooperation and collaboration for the promotion of R&D culture in Pakistan in Rawalpindi on June 11, 2010.

PASTIC and RCCI agreed to develop strong linkages to promote research culture and indigenous technologies by bringing together academia and industry. Both the organizations will arrange joint training Programmes, Workshops, Seminars and Industrial exhibitions by involving industry representatives and members of academia as well as R&D institutions.

Dr. Manzoor H. Soomro, Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation, Director General, PASTIC and Mr. Kashif Shabbir, President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry signed the MoU of public private partnership for coordination and cooperation in a ceremony held at RCCI. While addressing to media Dr. Manzoor H. Soomro Director General, PASTIC said that PASTIC will project research and development (R&D) work carried out at universities and R&D organizations with the ultimate aim to develop close correlation between research objectives and the industry priorities. He further emphasized that this MoU will build an effective cooperation between industry, academia, and research organizations. It will fulfill the research and development needs of the industry to empower the industrial sector with innovations leading to the promotion of competitiveness, productivity and socio economic development. Mr Kashif Shabbir also ensured the cooperation of RCCI in bridging the gap between industry and research institutes. Engineer Abdul Rasheed Khan Advisor to Minister of Science and Technology appreciated the efforts of PASTIC & PSF in strengthening R&D culture in Pakistan. He also guaranteed the cooperation of Ministry of science and technology.