USPCAS-W, MUET, organized the first virtual seminar to share outcomes of the HEC-funded project on Eco-innovation for sustainable industrial growth in SEZs under CPEC

US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan organized the 1st virtual international seminar to disseminate the outcomes of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) funded project named “Eco-innovation for the sustainable industrial growth of the major industrial sector in the special economic zones (SEZs) under CPEC” on the successful completion of one year of the project (February 2022 to February 2023). The virtual seminar was attended by project stakeholders, industrial experts, and national and international researchers from Pakistan, Australia, China, and Malaysia.

Professor and head of the environmental engineering/science department at USPCAS-W, Mehran University, and principal investigator of the project, Prof. Dr. Zubair Ahmed, said that “among three phases of the project, the first phase, i.e., situational analysis report on the environmental status of six different industrial sectors, has been completed.” Over 800 industries of five sectors (Textile, Steel, Food, Chemical & Pharmaceutical, and Automobile & Allied) were surveyed to capture the status of existing eco-innovations in industries, and 113 industries responded. Among responded industries, 57% were export-oriented, and 43% were local manufacturers.

A few industries in Pakistan have adopted eco-innovations, primarily export-oriented. Besides, most small-scale industries need to be more environmentally sustainable. Industries remained neutral toward environmental regulation in Pakistan as there is a lack of a conducive environment for effectively enforcing environmental regulations. Moreover, the high cost of eco-innovation options is a significant barrier for industries. They perceive environmental investments as a liability rather than a step toward value addition. Insufficient collaboration between industries and research institutes is also a barrier to environmental sustainability which industries are facing.

Thanks to the speakers who brought the seminar to a new level of productivity and engagement by sharing detailed insights into their research and ongoing works with the participants.

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.

Prof 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.

Mr 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.

Ms 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.

Ms 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.

Ms 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.