ISLAMABAD, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Wednesday launched its first-ever public-private genomics joint project to enhance the country's scientific and technological capabilities, according to officials.
The venture will provide local DNA sequencing services for both agricultural research and clinical diagnostics, significantly reducing Pakistan's reliance on foreign genomic services while saving foreign exchange and fostering innovation and scientific advancement.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan's Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said that the joint venture marks a key milestone in Pakistan's efforts to ensure food security and strengthen national research institutions.
"The initiative is a testament to our commitment to transforming Pakistan's scientific landscape," the minister said, adding that by developing indigenous genomic capabilities, the country is empowering researchers, farmers and healthcare professionals with cutting-edge tools for innovation.
He said that the success of the initiative would bolster Pakistan's national research capacity, foster commercialization of modern genomic technologies and lead to new avenues for biotechnology-driven development. ■
