Chinese Research Institution signs MoU with ICCBS–University of Karachi

Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology (TIB), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.

According to an ICCBS spokesman, the MoU aims to establish a stable and long-term framework for cooperation between the two leading institutions, facilitating pragmatic collaboration and resource sharing in scientific research, personnel training, and technology transfer to achieve complementary advantages and mutually beneficial development.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director, ICCBS, signed the MoU with the Chinese authorities during his recent visit to China. Prof. Hua Xiang, Director-General of TIB, also signed the MoU on behalf of his institution.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Mr. Khan Muhammad Wazir, Counsellor for Technical Affairs, Science and Technology, at the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, Prof. Jibin Sun, Chairman of the Coordinating Council of the COMSATS Centre of Excellence, as well as other national and international scholars and officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation between the institutions of Pakistan and China in the fields of chemical and biological sciences. He expressed hope that the bilateral relationship would be further strengthened over time. He noted that the signing of the MoU was a landmark step towards promoting collaborative educational and research activities between the two countries.

Describing ICCBS, he said that it is a world-renowned research institution in chemical and life sciences, dedicated to scientific research in chemistry, life sciences, and biomedicine. The Centre is equipped with advanced facilities and technologies for chemical structure identification and bioactive natural product synthesis, and serves as an active platform for international scientific collaboration.

It is worth mentioning that the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, is an internationally leading research institution in the fields of synthetic biology and biomanufacturing. It focuses on core technologies and disruptive technological innovations in the bioindustry and is equipped with multiple national-level laboratories, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and an extensive international and industrial collaboration network.

According to the MoU, both institutions will cooperate broadly in the fields of chemistry, life sciences, and biomedicine, with a focus on specific areas including the exploration of traditional medicine resources; cell factory and process development for natural product biosynthesis; large-scale production and clinical research of natural products; and other areas of mutual interest.

Reporter: Zubair Rashid