Bertolucci lauded Pakistani engineers and scientists and said that "Pakistan has a first class pool of scientists and engineers, a requirement to become an associate member of CERN."He added that Pakistan and CERN are working in close collaboration from quite some time and the work from Pakistan’s industries is favourable.Also present at the occasion Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Chairman Dr Ansar Parvez said that the membership will open opportunities for the locals to learn from the developed world.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, on February 11, had told a four member CERN delegation that Pakistan is hoping for associate membership of the European organisation.