India to attend Islamabad conference

Despite escalating tensions between the two nuclear states, India is likely to attend the 12th session of the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), in Pakistan.

A senior official of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Pakistan has confirmed to The Express Tribune that a delegation from India was participating in the three-day conference.

 "We have received a confirmation email from the authorities concerned in India regarding the participation of their delegate," said the official.

APCTT is a specialised regional Institute of the United Nations' Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (UN-ESCAP), based in New Delhi.

Its key role is to assist member states through strengthening their capabilities to develop and manage their National Innovation Systems focusing on strengthening technology driven sustainable development. The governing council comprises 14 members including Bangladesh, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. 

"The conference will provide a platform and opportunity to all these member countries to share and exchange best international practices, policies and plans in order to encourage innovative entrepreneurship as well as technology transfer," said the official.

There will be thematic discussions where political and business leaders introduce strategic policy issues for sustainable development. The exchange of policy experience will also contribute to building capacity for participants from the member states.