ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have agreed to begin joint training programs in construction engineering, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and hospitality management under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
The decision was made during a high-level visit to China by Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and Pakistan Side Chairperson of the China-Pakistan TVET-Industrial Center of Excellence. The visit took place from July 6 to 12, 2025.
According to a briefing at NAVTTC Headquarters, the visit aimed to promote technical and vocational cooperation between the two countries under the direction of the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, and the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training. The platform for the visit was CPTICE, the official bilateral mechanism for industry and education collaboration, with the purpose of preparing a skilled workforce for CPEC’s next phase.
The delegation held consultations at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing on implementing TVET provisions of the China-Pakistan Joint Statement. They also met with China International Intellectual Group officials, including Chairman Bu Yulong, and reached agreements on vocational training, curriculum development, and industry-academic ties.
During a meeting with Tang International Education Group, the Chinese Secretariat of CPTICE, Gulmina co-chaired a session with Li Jinsong, the China Side Chairperson of CPTICE. It was agreed to jointly begin programs in four key sectors and to start work on mutual recognition of skills certifications with Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Visits were made to Jinan Vocational College, Anhui Water Conservancy Technical College, and Zhejiang Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Technician. At Jinan, the Project 210 smart manufacturing model was introduced.
A memorandum was signed with Anhui College for the establishment of a China-Pakistan Huijiang Workshop, with accommodation for Pakistani instructors under construction.
At the Zhejiang Institute, both sides agreed to create a China-Pakistan High-Skilled Talent Training Center for training in smart manufacturing and e-commerce. The delegation also visited Zhejiang Soton Holding Group, where they were briefed on the firm’s corporate training and employee development practices.
Several MoUs and cooperation agreements were signed during the week-long visit to activate the TVET partnership through CPTICE. The agreements will help establish a system for joint training, international certification recognition, and alignment with global labor market needs.
The initiative is expected to create new job opportunities for Pakistani youth and provide skilled labor for CPEC-related industries.
