By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE — The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the University of South Asia (USA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, with a focus on research, innovation, entrepreneurship and workforce development.
The agreement was signed during the third session of LCCI’s flagship “One Day One University” programme, which featured an exhibition of innovative products, research projects, prototypes and technology-driven solutions developed by students of the University of South Asia.
The exhibition was inaugurated by LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol in the presence of Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, University of South Asia Vice Chancellor Mian Imran Masood, Standing Committee Convener Umer Saleem, members of the business community, academics, students and representatives from various industrial sectors.
Under the MoU, LCCI and the University of South Asia will jointly organise seminars, workshops, conferences, awareness sessions and knowledge-sharing programmes. The partnership also includes cooperation in industry-focused research, entrepreneurship development, technology transfer, commercialisation of innovative ideas, curriculum development, student internships, guest lectures and mentorship initiatives.
The agreement is designed to strengthen links between students and the corporate sector, helping graduates develop the skills required to meet evolving industry demands.
Speaking at the ceremony, LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol said stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry is essential for Pakistan’s economic development.
He said the Chamber remains committed to creating opportunities that connect talented students with the business community, enabling them to better understand market trends, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Saigol said the “One Day One University” initiative has become an effective platform for promoting practical learning, encouraging collaboration between academia and industry, and identifying future entrepreneurs and business leaders.
He added that universities play a critical role in producing skilled human resources and that closer engagement with industry can significantly improve the relevance and commercial impact of academic research.
University of South Asia Vice Chancellor Mian Imran Masood welcomed the partnership, saying it would provide students with greater exposure to the business community while creating new opportunities for collaborative research, internships, commercialisation of innovative projects and professional development.
He said the university remains committed to producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, technical skills and innovative mindset required by modern industries.
Participants at the exhibition praised the students’ innovative projects and prototypes, describing the initiative as an important step towards strengthening industry-academia collaboration and promoting innovation-driven economic growth in Pakistan.
The event concluded with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to advancing education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship through sustained cooperation between academia and industry.
