(AKI) - Computer science, which has relatively low investment costs, could be key to Afghanistan's development, Afghan robotics researcher Solaiman Shokur told Adnkronos International (AKI), citing the example of emerging south Asian economic giant, India. "The high-tech boom that has been driving India's economic development could form a model for Afghanistan, where telecommunications - especially use of mobile phones and Internet - have been developing very rapidly," he said. Shokur is a speaker at the "Near and Far" conference in the northeastern Italian city of Udine through Sunday. The event, linked to the Tiziano Terzani literary prize, is examining cultural identity and differences in times of war. Shokur's talk described his experience of integration in Europe as an Afghan immigrant.
Students at Lausanne Polytechnic (EPFL), where the 27-year-old Shokur is completing his PhD in the pioneering field of neuroprosthetics and robotics. He and other students at EPFL have been working on a project to send recycled computers to developing countries. Afghanistan could benefit from such a project, he said. Investment by companies in offshore computer science centres located in Afghanistan is crucial, Shokur argues. "I believe that there should be connections between education, research and industry. For example industries should invest in education to train qualified staff."