Pakistan to send 100 Agri professionals to China

Pakistan to send 100 Agri professionals to China for training as announced by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday reviewed the short-term training program for 1,000 agricultural professionals in China, emphasizing the importance of selecting candidates with the greatest potential to maximize the program’s impact. He highlighted the need for an inclusive selection process that represents all provinces and targets individuals capable of making a significant difference in the agriculture sector.

Meeting with Officials

During the meeting, which included planning secretary Awais Manzur Sumra, education secretary Mohyuddin Wani, Higher Education Commission chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, and senior officials from the food and finance ministries, as well as representatives from the CPEC Secretariat, Iqbal stressed the need for a well-organized action plan. He stated that the knowledge gained by these professionals should be effectively utilized by provincial planning and development departments to further build capacity and train others.

The minister also pointed out the pressing need for increased investment in higher education, noting that Pakistan’s tertiary education enrollment rate is only 13%, much lower than that of neighboring countries. He called for coordinated efforts between federal and provincial governments to allocate matching funds and close the resource gap in the higher education sector.

To ensure the success of the program, Iqbal suggested establishing a dedicated Project Management Unit within the implementing agency, drawing from existing staff. He explained that the training would be conducted in phases, starting with 300 agriculture professionals in the first batch, followed by another 300, and then a final group of 400. This phased approach would help manage resources efficiently and ensure the program’s impact.

Iqbal also announced the creation of a committee composed of representatives from the Higher Education Commission and the ministries of finance, foreign affairs, and planning to monitor the project’s progress. He instructed the committee to meet every two weeks to track developments.

Technological Advancements in Pakistan

Later in the day, Minister Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the First International Conference on 3D Printing and Vacuum Technology at Quaid-i-Azam University. He emphasized the critical role of science and technology in advancing national development and progress, encouraging scientists and innovators to help position Pakistan as a leader in technological advancements.

The three-day event attracted over 50 renowned researchers and scientists from around the globe to discuss the latest breakthroughs in these transformative technologies. Iqbal stressed that 3D printing and vacuum technology are not merely technological advances but also key drivers of change across industries, economies, and everyday life.