The strong academia-industry linkages are imperative to make the development and to compete with the rest of the world. It was echoed at inauguration of two-day Distinguished Innovation Collaboration Entrepreneurship (DICE) themed Agriculture and Food Sciences 2017 held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad in which students of 30 universities presented 132 innovative models of new business plans.

The event was arranged by the Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) in collaboration with DICE Foundation. The event was inaugurated by Belgium Ambassador Frederic Verheyden flanked by UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Zafar, ORIC Director Dr Zahir Ahmad Zahir, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Shabbir Hussain Chawala, Chairman Academia Industry Linkages, FCCI, Dr Habib Aslam Gaba and other notables.
The Ambassador said that enhanced collaboration between the both countries will help learn from each other experiences. He said that academia- industry strengthened relations are essential to raise the income of people, way of living and avert the poverty. We are strengthening alumni network of his country, he said, adding that 100 Pakistani students are studying in Belgium.
Vice Chancellor Dr Iqbal Zafar said that that the agriculture is the backbone of our country, contributing 21 percent to the Gross Domestic Product. He added that one third population was living below the poverty line. He said that one idea can change the society. He said that invention of plough brought the revolution in the agriculture sector. He said that invention of wheel, telephone, computer, and internet etc not only made the lives easier, but also raised the standards of living and opened the window of new businesses.
Shabbir Hussain said that knowledge-based economy will pave the way for the development and prosperity. He also said that country was blessed with tremendous talents. He also called for strengthening the academia, and industry ties. Dr Zahir Ahmad Zahir said that innovation was lifeblood of any nation and economy and is a key ingredient behind its sustainable progress and prosperity. He said that the platform provides a common platform for both academia and industry to share and collaborate on innovative concepts and products.
Dr Habib Aslam stressed upon the need to come up with out-of-the-box solutions to problems of the general public and farming community. He said that there is the need to bridge the academia and industry to work together.