A high-level delegation from Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS), Pakistan, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Malik, visited Dalian Ocean University (DLOU), China to enhance academic collaboration and strengthen long-term cooperation in marine sciences. During the visit, both universities officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in expanding China–Pakistan academic, scientific, and educational partnerships.
The LUAWMS delegation comprised Dr. Balach Rasheed (Registrar), Dr. Ahmed Nawaz (Dean), and Dr. Muhsan Ali Kalhoro. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Prof. Liu Wenhe, Vice President of Dalian Ocean University, along with representatives from the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation and the College of Marine Science and Environment. Senior faculty members, including Prof. Zhongming Huo, Prof. Song, Prof. Tian Jie, and Prof. He, also participated in the meetings and technical sessions.
Expanding Academic and Research Collaboration
During the formal discussions, both institutions presented their academic strengths, research achievements, and strategic priorities. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in:
• Marine big data sharing and applications
• Marine environmental change and ecology
• Modern aquaculture and fisheries science
• Marine resource management
• Joint research projects and scientific publications
• Faculty and student exchange programmes
• Joint supervision of postgraduate students
• Collaborative research platforms under the Belt and Road Initiative
Scholarship Opportunities for LUAWMS Students
Both universities also agreed to introduce scholarship opportunities for outstanding LUAWMS students, enabling them to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies at Dalian Ocean University in the fields of marine science, fisheries, oceanography, and environmental sciences. This initiative will contribute significantly to academic capacity building, talent development, and future scientific collaboration.
Research Facilities and Academic Exchange
The LUAWMS delegation visited Dalian Ocean University's state-of-the-art research laboratories, aquaculture breeding facilities, and the Northern Marine Data Engineering Application Center. The delegation gained valuable insights into advanced research infrastructure, emerging technologies, and ongoing scientific projects. Meetings with faculty members and interactions with undergraduate and postgraduate students provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences, and research perspectives in marine sciences, fisheries, environmental research, and higher education.
Building a Strategic Partnership
The visit concluded with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to establishing a long-term strategic partnership that promotes academic excellence, scientific innovation, sustainable marine development, and people-to-people exchanges. The newly signed MoU lays a strong foundation for future collaborative research, educational opportunities, and institutional cooperation while further strengthening the enduring friendship and scientific partnership between China and Pakistan.
