Academic Cooperation in Pakistan: Talks at Quaid-i-Azam University on Linking Research with International Business

Yesterday I was received in Islamabad by the vice-chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University and professor of international relations Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, who is a prominent strategic and security analyst of the region. Great timing, right around the time of the Mecca defense pact between the Turks, Saudis and Pakistanis.

In addition to a very interesting debate on geopolitics, we also opened up the possibility of cooperation between Euro-Asian universities. The intention is to create research centers that would be really useful for international trade and technology exchange. That is, where would a student or future investor find out what trade and customs regulations apply in which country, what the regulation allows or prohibits, and therefore specific business opportunities and risks. And also what the given country can produce better or cheaper than others, or, on the contrary, what it needs to import or build. Like under Bata, who built a factory near Lahore, and it made sense to the extent that it is still there and thriving.

Quaid-i-Azam University is roughly at the level of Charles University in the QS and THE world rankings, but opportunities would also be offered for other Czech universities. For those that have rectors and deans with an open mind, and they are not just ideologues or guzzlers. I already had the opportunity to visit a few of those that would be suitable for cooperation in the Czech Republic. And also in Asia, including the Chinese "Harvards", which are at the top of the world rankings also because they build these regional ties.

I know from my own experience how studying abroad opened my eyes. If I manage to push something like this in the right direction during my term, it will help future students as well. The world is big, but Czechs don't get lost in it!