Pakistan and China signed 11 training pacts under CPEC Phase-II on Wednesday, opening a new chapter in their cooperation. The agreements aim to train thousands of Pakistanis in technical and vocational fields, boosting employability, strengthening bilateral ties, and supporting the timely execution of CPEC projects.
PM Highlights Skilled Workforce Need
During his visit to Beijing, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed that Pakistan must develop a modern and capable workforce for CPEC’s second phase. He tasked Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui with supervising the planning and execution of the training programs.
“Our top priority is to equip Pakistanis with skills needed for modern industries and CPEC-related ventures,” Dr. Siddiqui said, assuring that targets would be met.
Training Programs Across Key Sectors
Under Dr. Siddiqui’s direction, NAVTTC Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmed presented a roadmap in China, which secured approval for 11 specialised initiatives.
The programs include:
Chinese language instruction and local trainer preparation
E-commerce, software technology, and drone applications
Agriculture and intelligent manufacturing
Medical lab sciences, nursing, and smart health
Intelligent mining and international certifications in AI, construction, agriculture, and hospitality
Dual diploma and degree opportunities in China
Teacher exchange initiatives and specialised workshops
These areas were selected to meet both domestic CPEC requirements and global job market demand.
Boosting Pakistan-China Cooperation
Officials confirmed that both sides had signed 11 MoUs earlier, which paved the way for today’s formal agreements. The training pacts will help align Pakistan’s skill development programs with international standards, while also deepening economic ties with China.
“These initiatives represent a major step in strengthening Pakistan-China cooperation and preparing our workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” a NAVTTC official stated.
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