The event was opened by the Acting Director of the University's Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South Americas, Dr Noman Sattar here on Friday, whereas Ambassador Shahid Kamal also spoke on the occasion. Ambassador Leoni highlighted the economic achievements of his country, currently the sixth largest economy of the world and the impressive social progress of the last decade: "in the past 10 years, 40 million people were lifted out of poverty in Brazil," underscored the Ambassador.
The potential of tourism in Brazil was also highlighted and the Ambassador invited Pakistanis to take part in the Football World Cup of 2014 and the Olympics of 2016, both to be hosted by Brazil. Ambassador Leoni also explained the educational opportunities in Brazil and announced that 15 Pakistani students have been granted full Ph.D. scholarships by the Government of Brazil, a number that is raised by 50 percent since 2011. "This is an example of how much the Brazilian Government is interested in improving its relations with the Government and the People of Pakistan", stated the Ambassador.-PR