Pakistan will receive 3,000 training and study opportunities in China between 2025 and 2029 as part of a new bilateral cooperation framework finalised during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Beijing.
The initiative is included in the China-Pakistan Action Plan (2025–2029), which places strong emphasis on science, technology and human resource development. Under the plan, the two sides aim to strengthen joint research in both basic and applied sciences, alongside the establishment of new laboratories under the Belt and Road Initiative. These facilities will focus on disaster prevention, early warning systems, small hydropower development, climate change, air pollution control, renewable energy, food and agriculture, medicine and health, as well as artificial intelligence.
The plan also outlines expanded talent exchanges. Pakistani researchers, managers and professionals will have access to Chinese programmes such as the Talented Young Scientist Programme, the International Technical Training Workshop for Developing Countries, the CAS President’s International Fellowship Initiative, and the CAS-ANSO Scholarship.
Marine sciences and energy resources are also prioritised. Both countries have agreed to conduct joint surveys on offshore natural gas hydrates and deepen collaboration in marine technology. In addition, cooperation will extend to spatial information, artificial intelligence, and traditional medicine under the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan.
Cybersecurity, data security, vocational skills, mutual recognition of engineers, employment promotion, and social security system development form part of the wider cooperation package.
Officials from both sides say the initiative will not only support Pakistan’s capacity building in science, technology and human resources, but also create long-term academic, professional and technological linkages between the two countries.
