The 1st International Seminar on Eco-innovation and Circular Economy for Sustainable Industrial Growth in Pakistan- Situation Analysis
Several universities and institutions including Sunway University played a pivotal lead at the 1st virtual international seminar organised by the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology in Jamshoro, Pakistan. The seminar aimed to disseminate the findings of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) funded project titled "Eco-innovation for the sustainable industrial growth of the major industrial sector in the special economic zones (SEZs) under CPEC," marking the successful conclusion of its inaugural year (February 2022 to February 2023). Dr Sadaf Khan from Sunway University presented on environmental disclosure practices in South Asian countries. Distinguished participants included project stakeholders, industrial experts, and researchers from Pakistan, Australia, China, and Malaysia.
Leading the project was Professor Dr. Zubair Ahmed, the head of the environmental engineering/science department at USPCAS-W. He revealed that the project's first phase, which involved a situational analysis report on the environmental status of six different industrial sectors, had been successfully completed. This phase entailed surveying over 800 industries in five sectors (Textile, Steel, Food, Chemical & Pharmaceutical, and Automobile & Allied), with 113 industries responding. Notably, 57% of the respondents were export-oriented, while 43% were local manufacturers.
The findings shed light on the current state of eco-innovations in Pakistani industries. While some export-oriented industries have embraced eco-innovations, most small-scale industries need to enhance their environmental sustainability efforts. One of the significant obstacles hindering broader eco-innovation adoption is the lack of a conducive environment for effectively enforcing environmental regulations in Pakistan. Additionally, the high cost of eco-innovation options poses a challenge for industries, leading them to perceive environmental investments as liabilities rather than value-adding measures. Another key barrier to environmental sustainability is the insufficient collaboration between industries and research institutes.
The virtual international seminar provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, highlighting the crucial role of research and academia, represented by Professor Dr. Zubair Ahmed and his team at Sunway University, in driving sustainable industrial growth in Pakistan's special economic zones under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). By addressing the barriers and promoting collaboration between stakeholders, the project aims to pave the way for a more environmentally sustainable and economically viable future for Pakistan's industrial sectors.
Prof. Dr. Zubair Ahmed, professor and head of the environmental engineering department from USPCAS-W, MUET, Jamshoro, started by introducing the seminar. As a principal investigator, he disseminated the outcomes of the first year of the project "Eco-innovation for the sustainable industrial growth of the major industrial sector in the special economic zones (SEZs) under CPEC," having a total duration of three years.
Dr. Rasool Bux Mahar, Vice Chancellor from Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology and Skill Development Khairpur Mirs, discussed wastewater recycling and reuse. He highlighted available wastewater recycling and treatment technologies that can be used in Pakistan. Besides, he explained the concept of water circular economy in detail.
Dr. Xianlai Zeng, an associate professor from Tsinghua University, China, captivated the audience by sharing his visionary insights on reshaping the global policies of the circular economy. With his profound understanding and expertise, he thoroughly discussed the transformative potential of adopting innovative strategies and frameworks, paving the way for our planet's sustainable and regenerative future.
Dr. Hemant Ojha, an associate professor from the Australian National University, Australia, delivered a talk on managing climate risks to water security: Advancing coproduction in socio-ecological zones. He emphasized the importance of advancing coproduction in socio-ecological zones, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts between communities, policymakers, and researchers.
Dr. Muhamad Ali Yuzir, an associate professor from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, shed light on the water supply for the underprivileged community in Johor, Malaysia, in his insightful presentation. With a deep sense of social responsibility, he shared innovative strategies to address the water challenges marginalized populations face, advocating for equitable access to clean and sustainable water resources to improve the livelihoods of the underprivileged community.
Dr. Sadaf Khan, a faculty member from Sunway University Malaysia, presented on environmental disclosure practices in South Asian countries. With her expertise, she delved into the current state of reporting and disclosure mechanisms, exploring the challenges and potential solutions to enhance environmental transparency and accountability, ultimately promoting sustainable practices in the region.
Dr. Tanveer Ahmed Gadhi, an assistant professor from USPCAS-W, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan, talked about opportunities for eco-innovation in the textile industry. Through his presentation, he explored the untapped opportunities to integrate sustainable practices, technologies, and materials into the textile sector, promoting environmental stewardship and fostering a more sustainable future for the industry.
Ghazala Akbar, a Ph.D. student from USPCAS-W, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan, delivered a compelling presentation on Eco-innovation in the Steel sector in Pakistan-situation analysis. Her presentation topic was part of Eco-innovation's project for the sustainable industrial growth of the primary industrial sector in the special economic zones (SEZs) under the CPEC. She shared the status of eco-innovation in the steel sector in Pakistan.
Satesh Kumar, a research assistant from USPCAS-W, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan, briefly discussed the Situation analysis of the Marble Sector in Karachi. His topic was part of an Eco-innovation project for the sustainable industrial growth of the major industrial sector in the special economic zones (SEZs) under the CPEC. He shared the status of eco-innovation in the marble sector in Pakistan.
Nazia Mughual, a speaker at the seminar, is the Sustainability & Water Management Manager at Soorty Enterprises Pvt Limited, a leading denim industry in Pakistan. Her talk topic was "Sustainable Industrial Growth through Eco-innovation: an industry perspective." she presented various eco-innovation measures adopted by the industries. She emphasized industrial collaboration for environmental protection.
Pooja Devi, an MS student from USPCAS-W, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan, delivered an engaging presentation on Eco-innovation in the food sector in Pakistan- situational analysis. Her presentation topic was part of Eco-innovation's project for the sustainable industrial growth of the major industrial sector in the special economic zones (SEZs) under the CPEC. She shared the status of eco-innovation in the food sector in Pakistan.
Adeel Ahmed Memon, an MS student from USPCAS-W, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan, discussed environmental actions in existing chemical & pharmaceutical industries in Pakistan. His presentation topic was part of a project named Eco-innovation for the sustainable industrial growth of the major industrial sector in the special economic zones (SEZs) under the CPEC. He shared the status of eco-innovation in the chemical & pharmaceutical in Pakistan.
For Further Information:
Prof. Dr. Zubair Ahmed
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