Pakistan, China boost CPEC prospects at Beijing Forum

Pakistan, China boost CPEC prospects at Beijing Forum organized by the Pakistani embassy.

The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing successfully held the 2nd Pakistan Professionals and Students Forum 2025 on Sunday under the theme “Mentorship: Learning from the Learned.” The event aimed to foster collaboration among professionals, students, academics, and entrepreneurs across China.

The forum focused on building stronger community ties and discussing career opportunities arising from the high-quality development phase of CPEC 2.0. A mentorship initiative was also launched to connect experienced professionals with Pakistani students in Beijing.

Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, in a video address, praised the embassy’s efforts and highlighted the essential role of the overseas Pakistani community in sustainable development. He emphasized education as a powerful tool for personal and national growth and encouraged knowledge sharing and collaboration under CPEC 2.0.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, lauded the Forum for fostering connections between industry and academia. He also referenced youth empowerment programs such as the Digital Youth Hub, Innovation Fund, and Incubation Centers designed to promote digital skills and entrepreneurship.

Fatemi also discussed the PM’s scholarship initiative that enables Pakistani agriculture professionals to receive practical training at top Chinese universities. He noted that 300 professionals will soon travel to Shaanxi Province under this fully funded program.

Ambassador Khalil Hashmi welcomed participants by describing the Forum as a platform for meaningful engagement and collaboration. He emphasized the Pakistani community’s strong values of dedication and shared goals for mutual growth with China.

Drawing on China’s mentorship traditions, the ambassador stressed the importance of passing experience to the younger generation and using success to uplift others. He highlighted key achievements since the last forum, including the Yangling Agriculture Initiative and expansion in areas like space science, vocational training, and CPEC-related developments.

He urged Pakistani professionals to prioritize collective growth by mentoring the next generation, aiming to shape a globally competitive talent pool. The forum featured two panel discussions on CPEC 2.0 career prospects and mentorship strategies for youth development.

Panelists included representatives from organizations such as UNESCO, Renmin University, ZBRA, and the China United National Procurement Promotion Association, along with notable Pakistani experts. Attendees appreciated the embassy’s initiative and committed to pursuing the Forum’s mission and objectives.