HEC, China university boost academic partnership under CPEC

HEC, China university boost academic partnership under CPEC as a delegation visit signifies cooperation across various sectors.

In a significant move to deepen educational, technological, and research partnerships between Pakistan and China, Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) hosted a senior academic delegation from Northwest A&F University, China. The group was led by Professor Dr. Lixin Zhang, who also chairs the Silkroad Biohealth Agricultural Industrial Alliance.

According to an official statement released on Tuesday, the visit represents a key development in advancing cooperation in science, agriculture, and sustainable development between the two nations

HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed welcomed the delegation, which included prominent Chinese academics such as Prof. Liang, Prof. Limin, Prof. Sun, and Prof. Shi. They engaged in meaningful discussions with senior Pakistani educators, including Prof. Dr. Jamil (Vice Chancellor of AWKUM), Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari (VC, Federal Urdu University), and Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad (Director, Sino-Pak Biohealth Centre, QAU).

Key topics of discussion included the creation of a joint research lab at Quaid-i-Azam University, the training of 1,000 Pakistani students and researchers in Yangling, and faculty exchange programs. They also explored collaboration in technology transfer and research in fields such as food security, environmental science, sustainable energy, and health innovation.

This initiative is in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to enhance Pakistan’s higher education sector and foster stronger people-to-people connections with China.

As a priority effort under CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the collaboration aims to drive forward innovation, agricultural efficiency, and human resource development, which are essential for the long-term growth of both countries.