Historic Partnership: Scotland and Pakistan Forge First Educational Trade Agreement
In a landmark development, the first-ever educational trade partnership between academic institutions in Scotland and Pakistan was officially signed today (April 10 – 11am Pakistan time/7am GMT). This significant achievement stems from the ongoing efforts of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) and their cooperative agreement established during a major inward trade delegation to Scotland.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), facilitated by Dr Jeanette Forbes OBE, SCC Global Ambassador to Pakistan, and Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen, brings together the support of both the Scottish and UK governments alongside the Pakistan-UK Business Council (FPCCI). It aims to strengthen international relationships, foster trade, and create meaningful educational opportunities.
Dr Forbes, a pioneering entrepreneur, led a strategic visit to Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad to cultivate valuable business and academic connections while identifying exciting opportunities for Scottish companies and universities. Reflecting on this milestone, she remarked, “I’ve worked closely with the SCC and the FPCCI over the years and visited Pakistan multiple times to lay the foundation for robust business and educational ties. I’m thrilled to see this collaboration result in the signing of the MOU. This marks the beginning of vast opportunities for universities and other sectors to collaborate with Pakistan.”
Dr Forbes also emphasized the future potential of this initiative: “Having facilitated RGU’s visit in September with the support of FPCCI Chairman Imran Khalil Naseer and witnessing what is achievable, I view this as the start of something exceptional. Work is ongoing to bring other sectors into this partnership to maximize the benefits for export and import markets in both countries.”
SCC Chief Executive Dr Liz Cameron CBE celebrated the achievement, stating, “We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership with the Pak-UK Business Council and spotlight Scotland’s exporting strengths. This agreement enables Robert Gordon University to offer joint degree programs, and it creates pathways for businesses and academic institutions to build vital relationships. At a time when global trade challenges are mounting, Jeanette Forbes’s leadership and advocacy are invaluable in highlighting Scotland’s expertise and investment opportunities.”
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh praised the collaboration, noting, “This work by the SCC and the Pak-UK Business Council has brought businesses from both nations closer, and I commend all parties involved for this monumental achievement. Pakistan stands ready to provide Scotland with our finest home textiles, food products, IT services, and skilled professionals. We look forward to future collaborations that serve our mutual interests.”
Chairman Imran Khalil Naseer of the FPCCI added, “This union of leading academic institutions from Scotland and Pakistan marks the dawn of a new era. I’m delighted about RGU’s MoU with IQRA University and look forward to enhancing partnerships across various sectors. I also applaud the dedication of Dr Forbes and the SCC in making this collaboration a reality, supported by the FPCCI Board.”
The international delegation included visits to prominent institutions such as the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, The University of Punjab, Lahore University of Management Science, and several others. This trip follows a string of successful international trade missions by the SCC, including the recent signing of an MoU with the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce during Tartan Week celebrations.
Charandeep Singh, SCC Deputy Chief Executive, underscored the strategic impact of the collaboration: “This MOU sets the stage for long-term economic partnerships and positions Scotland as a global leader in trade and investment.”
