Faisalabad, November 17, 2016 – U.S. Consul General Yuriy R. Fedkiw and Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan inaugurated the newly constructed $30 million U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF).

The new Center, located in the heart of the UAF main campus, is an energy- and space-efficient, three-story building that houses state-of-the art research and teaching laboratories, an audio-video conference facility, advanced computer labs, and meeting rooms. The building also has the capacity to convene conferences and other large events to further cutting edge research on areas such as climate change, precision agriculture, and biotechnology.

“The United States is committed to creating economic growth and employment opportunities for the people of Pakistan and considers the agricultural sector a top priority,” Consul General Fedkiw said. “We are confident that our investments, in partnership with the Government of Pakistan, will bring long-term positive growth in the sector.” The Consul General encouraged UAF students to find innovative solutions to address Pakistan’s agricultural challenges and identify opportunities that will benefit the people of Punjab.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan praised the efforts of USAID and its partner universities, noting the United States has played a key role in promoting education and research in agriculture to support Pakistan’s socioeconomic development.

More than 200 people, including UAF students, faculty, and industry representatives participated in the conference and the inauguration.