ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi, on Thursday underscored that the full potential of science and technology can only be realised through international collaboration, urging nations in the ECO region to invest in and embrace innovation for collective progress.
On the inaugural day of the two-day “The International Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI): Catalysts for Regional Connectivity and Sustainable Development in the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Region (ECONEX 2025), Khalid Hussain Magsi, emphasized that the development of science and technology has been a key priority for the Government of Pakistan.
The Minister for Science and Technology said, “Science and technology are the way forward. Pakistan is committed to not only advancing STI within the country but also creating an environment that nurtures scientific knowledge and technological innovation. Science knows no boundaries, and its full potential can only be unlocked through global collaboration. Therefore, it’s essential for us as a region to invest in and adopt these advancements.”
Hosted by the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) of Pakistan in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) and the ECO Secretariat, the two-day event aims to serve as a vibrant platform for the exchange of ideas, fostering cross-border cooperation, driving economic growth, and inspiring actionable strategies to shape a more sustainable and prosperous future for the ECO region.
Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General of the ECO, reinforced the importance of regional cooperation, drawing upon global examples of how STI is reshaping the world.
“The ECO region, with its shared history and cultural ties along the ancient Silk Route, is uniquely positioned for mutual cooperation. If we don’t invest in the education of our youth, we’re failing to invest in our future. Science and technology are the low-hanging fruits; when we invest in them, the returns are invaluable,” he said.
Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Executive Director of HEC, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of STI for the ECO region. He urged the conference to become more than just a space for dialogue, encouraging it to evolve into a platform that will forge a roadmap for collective regional progress. “Let today’s discussions be a launchpad for our shared future,” he remarked.
The conference was conceptualised to address common challenges faced by ECO member countries, such as limited innovation, gaps in trade policies, barriers to technology transfer, and insufficient industrial productivity. The goal is to strengthen regional STI cooperation, promote policy dialogues, address these barriers, and expand partnerships.
The conference unfolded through three impactful plenary sessions:
“Regional Collaboration on STI Ecosystem”: In collaboration with the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), this session focused on best practices in STI governance, collaboration within technology parks, investment in research and development, and creating an innovation-friendly environment in the ECO region.
“Enhancing Regional Trade and Connectivity in the ECO Region”: In partnership with the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Institute from China, this session provided a platform for high-level discussions on policy frameworks, infrastructure development, and trade facilitation measures necessary for strengthening economic ties within the region.
“Human Capital Development in the ECO Region”: In collaboration with the ECO Educational Institute of Türkiye, this session gathered experts in higher education and vocational training to explore strategies for improving education systems, enhancing digital and technical skills, and fostering regional cooperation in human capital development.
The ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), the driving force behind the event, serves as a strategic platform dedicated to sustainable economic and social development in the ECO region through STI and industrial cooperation. ECONEX 2025 symbolizes the vital role of these efforts, acting as a nexus for fostering regional connectivity, collaboration, and innovation.
