ISLAMABAD: The inaugural ceremony of Pak-Korea National Capacity Building Institute (NCBI) was held at Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) Headquarters, Islamabad.
Science and Technology Minister, Mir Dostain Khan Domki and Republic of Korea Ambassador Jin-Wook Kim jointly inaugurated the newly constructed building of NCBI. The project has been completed with Korean grant-in-aid of Rs 258 million. The institute is equipped with latest equipment and facilities for training and research on water. The Korean government has provided training to the local professionals for serving the institute. The first course has commenced in the Institute on the subject “Water Management in Barani Areas“.
On that occasion, Domki appreciated the technical and financial assistance of the Korean government for establishing the institute and appreciated the efforts of PCRWR for successfully completing the project.
While addressing on the occasion, Jin-Wook Kim highlighted the role of knowledge and capacity building for socio-economic uplift and development. He shared the experiences of Korea for its development and informed that Korea targeted its education sector while embarking on the development plan and now Korea’s education system is one of the best in the world. He, therefore, emphasised on human resource development for boosting the economic growth and assured continued assistance of Korea for Pakistan. Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) DG Chung Jong Hyok also attended the ceremony.
Earlier, Ministry of Science and Technology Federal Secretary Yasmin Masood emphasised that the importance of water is beyond doubt. However, its adequate availability is under pressure due to rapid population growth, urbanisation, industrialisation and climate change impacts and faces multiple challenges. The secretary emphasised on innovative approach and latest technologies for solving the water-related problems. She appreciated efforts of PCRWR management for completion of the project.
PCRWR chairman Dr Muhammad Ashraf, in his keynote address, highlighted the importance of institute and its future plans for building the capacity of water sector professionals. He also shared the PCRWR achievements and initiatives in the water sector and assured PCRWR’s commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise with trainees.
