PM Shehbaz thanks China for support in agriculture training

PM Shehbaz thanks China for support in agriculture training program which will allow graduates to get specialized training.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address at the Agriculture Scholarship Program in Islamabad, commended China for its consistent support to Pakistan, especially for playing a vital role in Pakistan’s engagement with the IMF.

He highlighted that selected agricultural graduates from Pakistan would pursue higher studies in China, an initiative rooted in merit.

Sharif emphasized the benefits of these students learning from China’s advanced agricultural practices and thanked the Chinese government for providing generous scholarships.

Recalling his visit to a Chinese Agricultural University, the Prime Minister noted he was inspired by its research and innovation.

He said that Pakistani students studying in China will act as a crucial link between the two nations, strengthening bilateral ties.

The premier reiterated the merit-based nature of the scholarship selection, representing all provinces and regions, including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan.

He emphasized that empowering youth is key to Pakistan’s progress and highlighted the importance of reviving research institutions and agricultural universities.

Sharif encouraged graduates to consider entrepreneurship over only seeking government jobs, assuring state support through subsidized loans and resources to promote agribusiness and exports.

These students, trained to tackle climate-related challenges, will benefit from China’s innovations in agriculture. Sharif said his visit to President Xi Jinping’s hometown inspired the launch of this program.

He shared that China had approved his proposal to send 1,000 Pakistani students for agricultural training, and this initiative aims to modernize Pakistan’s farming sector through knowledge transfer.

The program reflects the government’s strategy to strengthen agriculture by building young professionals’ capacities through a merit-driven approach.

While older officials previously benefitted from such training programs, the Prime Minister stated that today’s focus is on youth, who are the future of the country.

The scholarship recipients come from across Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Applause from students during the event confirmed public trust in the merit-based system.

PM Sharif added that he had increased Balochistan’s scholarship quota by 10 percent, a policy he began while serving as Punjab’s Chief Minister.

Concluding his address, Sharif stated that Pakistan belongs to all its people, and national development requires collective effort.