China, Pakistan launch International Industry-Education Cooperation Alliance Initiative

The China-Pakistan International Industry-Education Cooperation Alliance Initiative was launched at the recent China-Pakistan Seminar on “Internet+” International Education and Industry-Education Integration in Beijing.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Moinul Haque addressed the seminar, hosted by the China Education Association for International Exchange, jointly organised by TANG International Education Group and Pakistan’s embassy in Beijing, as part of the 23rd China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education.

“A large number of Chinese enterprises are working in Pakistan on such projects. They need skilled labour force,” the Pakistani ambassador said, adding, “Recently I had the opportunity to visit some big names in Shenzhen, China, and was impressed by their innovation, hard work, and focus on people’s training. China has emerged as one of the world leaders in AI, computing, IoT, and big data. We would like to emulate the achievements of China in Pakistan.”

It is learned that almost 10% of the youth in Pakistan are unemployed and have no vocational, technical or commercial skills. Meanwhile, with the progress of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), demand for skilled labour force is becoming more and more urgent.

It is under such a backdrop that the seminar was hosted. “Chinese colleges’ investment on modern international education platforms and digital curriculum resources has helped train local Pakistani teachers, and provided a large number of scholarships. They also provided living allowances for the poorest students in Pakistan so they could have access to learning and life-changing opportunities,” said Li Jinsong, President of the TANG International Education Group.

In the same spirit, the China-Pakistan International Industry-Education Cooperation Alliance will facilitate the introduction of 210 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) disciplines of China to Pakistan, the establishment of 36 TVET excellence centres, the provision of international courses, and opportunities of pursuing further studies and jobs in China in its following work.

“The alliance has been under preparation since August 2022. It has garnered the support of over 500 bilateral TVET colleges, universities, and enterprises,” said Ammar Muhammad, Secretary General of China-Pakistan International Industry-Education Cooperation Alliance.

“We aim to build a bilateral platform for China and Pakistan to exchange information on industrial and educational information, share success stories and work together in various programmes so as to empower Pakistan’s young people, promote employment, support the construction of Special Economic Zones and enhance Pakistan’s exports,” he added.

On this occasion, over 20 agreements were signed on bilateral education and industrial cooperation projects.