Punjab inks MOU with Belarus for developing skill & vocational training

A Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Skill Development and Vocational Education was signed between Punjab and Belarus.

Facts :

• The Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus represented by the Minister Mr. Igor Karpenko and the Ministry of Technical Education and Industrial Training of the state of Punjab represented by the Minister Mr. Charanjit Singh Channi signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Skill Development & Vocational Education.
• The MOU was signed during a visit by high level delegation led by Technical Education & Industrial Training Minister, Punjab to Belarus.
• The significant event was attended by the Ambassador of India in the Republic of Belarus H.E. Mrs. Sangeeta Bahadur.
• The MOU signed would open new prospects for both countries in the field of Technical Education and become a specific road map of mutual cooperation in the field of education between Belarus and India.
• This MOU would serve as the basis for implementation of concrete activities in the field of vocational education & skill development of both countries.
• As per the MOU signed, both sides have agreed to work together in the field of Vocational & Higher Education, which includes conducting Joint Research, training of staff for establishing Skill University in Punjab, short term VET programms in Belarus for the youth of Punjab, skill up-gradation & Internships in Belarus, setting up of Centre for excellence in Punjab, Dual certification & joint staff training at higher education level and providing consultancy and advisory services to the vocational educational institutes of Punjab.
• This is also a step towards strengthening relations between both the counties and their peoples.

India and Belarus Relation in 2018 :

• India and Belarus have set the bilateral trade target of one billion dollar by 2018.Decision was taken at the Seventh Session of the India-Belarus Intergovernmental Commission held in Minsk, Belarus.
• Both countries noted the potential to step up cooperation in pharmaceuticals, machinery, energy, fertilizer, mining and tourism.
• They also agreed to facilitate business to business contacts to promote investment flows in the two countries.
• Both sides also expressed satisfaction in successful supply of equipment by state owned BHEL for the reconstruction of Grodno Power Plant-2 in Belarus.
• They hoped for further boost the participation of Indian companies in projects for the reconstruction of power facilities in Belarus.
• Belarus is eager to boost investment and technology to India to supports its flagship Make in India programme.
• It should be noted that, presently the bilateral trade between both countries is around 400 million dollars.
• Recently, a commemorative postage stamp was released in September to mark the 25th anniversary of India-Belarus diplomatic relationships.

By: Harman Sandhu