National Capacity Building Institute Inaugurated At PCRWR

A National Capacity Building Institute (NCBI) was inaugurated in the vicinity of Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) Headquarters in collaboration with Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Oct, 2017 ) :A National Capacity Building Institute (NCBI) was inaugurated in the vicinity of Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) Headquarters in collaboration with Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The institute was completed with the total amount of Rs. 300 million including Rs. 258 million grant-in-aid from Korea which would impart training to almost 1000 to 1500 stakeholders including farmers, professionals related to water issues and academia.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, minster of state for science and technology Mir Dostain Khan Domki, stated that water is a major issue in the country and capacity building of professionals would help utilize available resources adequately.

For the purpose he said, this capacity building institute is a milestone which would not only improve the capacity or our professionals linked with water resources but also check the depleting resources.

Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Yasmin Masood, emphasized that the importance of water is beyond doubt. However, its adequate availability is under pressure due to rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization and climate change impacts and faces multiple challenges.

The Secretary emphasized on innovative approach and latest technologies for solving the water related problems. Pointing out major challenges faced to irrigation she shared that underground water resources are decreasing rapidly due to excessive pumping.

She stated that water has the largest canal system but it is time to regulate our water resources to check scarcity of water in future while treatment of used water especially in rural area also needed to focused.

She appreciated efforts of PCRWR management for establishing the institute for capacity building. Sharing his remarks on the casion, Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Pakistan Jin-Wook Kim highlighted the role of knowledge and capacity building for socio-economic uplift and development.

He shared the experiences of Korea for its development and informed that his country focused on education sector while embarking on development plan. Now the Korea's education system is one of the best in the world.

He therefore, emphasized on human resource development for boosting the economic growth and assured continued assistance of Korea for Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan has huge potential for growth if proper they focus on the training of manpower.

He said the institute is a symbol of good relations between Pakistan and Korea and hoped that it would benefit for professional training of the people for years. Chairman PCRWR, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, in his keynote address, highlighted the importance of institute and its future plans for building capacity of water sector professionals.

He also shared the PCRWR achievements and initiatives in water sector and assured PCRWR's commitment for sharing knowledge and expertise with trainees. Chung Jong Hyok, Director General Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and project in charge NCBI Manzoor Ahmed Malik also attended the ceremony.

The institute is equipped with latest equipment and facilities for training and research on water. Korean Government has provided training to the local professionals for serving the institute. The first course has stated in the institute on the subject Water Management in Barani Areas today which would be completed in three days.