Criticism of state policies by a scientist

[pir_Rokhan]

An interesting talk highlighting the solutions related to the issues in Pakistan proposed by a scientist - Dr Attur Rehman of Pakistan in URDU.

I met him some years ago to talk about the introduction of my field of expertise in Paktunkhwa.

If the word Pakistan is replaced by Afghanistan , the talk gives a good direction related for policies about education and technology.

Glimpses:

"If you dont want to use your own brain just copy India in policies about Science and Technoloy"...

"The four pillars of development and progress are :

1. Education
2. Science and Technology
3. Innovation and Enterprenuership
4. Visionary govt.....

"Methane is an alternative energy resource bigger than the combined reserves of Oil, Coal ,Gas"...

"Tax net has to be extended , especially to Agricultural sector"..

"The contemporary age is that of knowledge based economy"..

"The next 8 to 10 years will produce double the knowleldge than what is known till now"...

and much more...

http://pkpolitics.com/2010/12/10/aaj...december-2010/

[pir_Rokhan]

In the talk he mentioned three alternatives. Wind energy, Methane and Solar Thermal.

Pakhtukhwa and Afghanistan both have huge natural resource reserves. I wish the govt of Afghanistan gives the contract for the extraction and excavation of these resources soon to a third party vendor so that we have international stakes involved in the peace process in Afghanistan.

The gas pipeline has compelled even Pakistan to review her policy towards Afghanistan. We need more like these going through Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan with the stakes of Afghan neighbours and International powers to bring back the intentionally disturbed peace in Afghanistan and Pakhtunkhwa.

[pir_Rokhan]

Yeah..I was thinking about novel ways for Afghanistan to earn forex in multiple ways. As a matter of fact it is only good educational institutions and research & development which can give a boost to economy. M.I.T. produced 4000 private companies for the US. Just the exports of one company of Finland [Nokia] are more than the total exports of Afghanistan. So you see we need a knowledge based economy as as short cut to compensate for the poor economic conditions of Afghanistan due to war in the past. We need to start it from the scratch.

First of all Afghanistan should promote homebased industry. The handicrafts of Afganistan has a historic and cultural attraction and has a huge demand in west not only for the expat Afghans but also for other nations. Central Asia could be a good target market.

Dry Fruits is another export which could earn foreign exchange for Afghanistan. The market could be Central as well as South Asia.

Pomegranate and Apple of Kandahar are well known. The govt should give tax incentives as well as technological know how and support to increase the export of these fruits to South and Central asian countries.

The most important however is the IT industry which needs much less investment and the output is much more. The skill acquisition time and expertise is much easier for a common person with less education level which suits the current conditons of Afghanistan.

There could be govt supported I.T PARKS to produce skilled human resource for offsite work as well as product development. Legal and Medical transcription projects are a source of good income and foreign exchange. Call centers are low investment industry to produce capital and needs less infrastructure. Ecommerce is another means to earn a lot of revenue probably the largest source of revenue for the country. Good progamming skills and the enviroment of a high speed internet connection plus a bit of support staff workign in shifts is what is needed to win projects worth millions.

Heavy engineering appplied to excavation projects using JOPA [Joint Operation Production Agreement ] with foreign companies will make Afghanistan a country with high per capita income and improved GDP if the political conditions are made favourable. The examples of Japan and Saudi Arabia are already there.