Islamabad: In a significant development aimed at strengthening educational ties between China and Pakistan, a high-level Chinese delegation, led by Mr. Wang Dang, Chairman of CIIC Technology Group Co. Ltd., met with Pakistani education officials to discuss the establishment of technical training centers across Pakistan. These centers aim to equip the local workforce with skills to meet the demands of expanding Chinese businesses in the region.

During the meeting, Secretary Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani emphasized the challenges Pakistan’s education sector faces, particularly in the wake of climate change. He highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing issues such as access to education, infrastructure, and teacher training, noting that an educational emergency has been declared in response to these challenges.

Mr. Wang Dang expressed CIIC’s intention to train Pakistani youth, emphasizing the potential for addressing educational challenges through resource management. The focus will be on preparing local employees for roles in Chinese companies operating under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.

Both parties agreed to arrange a meeting between the education ministers of China and Pakistan to advance the development of these centers. Mr. Wani welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of expanding educational cooperation between the two nations for mutual benefit.

Efforts to address educational challenges have included the introduction of a pink bus program, aimed at easing transportation barriers for female students, and a school meals program to combat child stunting. The Ministry of Education, under the guidance of a special task force established by the Prime Minister, has adopted a comprehensive approach to tackle these issues.

Mr. Wang Dang outlined CIIC’s background as a major enterprise in human resources and intellectual services in China, with a network spanning 300 cities. This initiative marks a strategic move to enhance educational collaboration and support economic growth in Pakistan through skill development.