Chinese Genomics Company to train young Pakistani scientists

Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) is set to establish structured collaboration frameworks aimed at promoting training programs for young scientists and researchers from Pakistan. The Institute has also expressed its commitment to providing technological support to improve health infrastructure and diagnostics, Gwadar Pro reported on Saturday.

During his visit to BGI’s headquarters in Shenzhen, China, Qaiser Nawab, Chairman of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), explored opportunities for cooperation in health, biotechnology, and scientific capacity building between the two countries.

During the visit, Nawab was warmly received by Mao Zhixia, Senior Official at BGI and head of South Asia affairs.

Mao provided a comprehensive overview of BGI’s evolution—from its modest beginnings to becoming the world’s largest genomics research institution.

He highlighted BGI’s groundbreaking work in gene sequencing, health diagnostics, precision medicine, and pandemic response. Both sides held in-depth discussions on the future of global health innovation and expressed strong interest in forging closer partnerships.

Nawab emphasized BRISD’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development through science and technology, particularly by empowering young scientists in the Global South. The meeting concluded with mutual interest in establishing formal cooperation frameworks to support training initiatives for young researchers from Pakistan and other BRI countries, as well as in extending technological assistance to enhance health systems in developing regions.

Speaking to Gwadar Pro, Nlaunched Pakistan’s first Virtual Blood Bank Centre, revolutionizing emergency blood availability in the province, he said, adding, this innovative center allows patients to access blood quickly by calling Emergency Helpline 15 and pressing option 4, connecting them to a Safe City officer who facilitates a conference call with registered donors in the vicinity. The Virtual Blood Bank Centre has registered around 30,000 donors, aiming to provide instant blood availability in emergencies, he highlighted.

He further urged citizens, especially the youth, to join the noble cause of blood donation, emphasizing that every drop of blood can be a lifeline in emergencies. appawab remarked, “BGI is a shining example of what innovation and commitment to science can achieve.