Beijing: The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing convened a symposium focused on Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, and Biotechnology, aiming to foster partnerships for skills development, industry integration, and investment facilitation. This gathering set the stage for the forthcoming Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Karachi, scheduled for mid-July.

According to Press Information Department, the event was inaugurated by Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Mr. Khalil Hashmi, who emphasized the country’s strategic demographic advantage, with a significant proportion of its population being under 30. He outlined the potential for Pakistan to evolve into a regional hub for these critical industries, drawing inspiration from China’s achievements. The symposium aimed to engage Chinese vocational institutions and enterprises in the upcoming Karachi Conference, promoting collaborative efforts in skills development and workforce training.

Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, addressed the symposium virtually, underscoring the enduring Pakistan-China relationship and the government’s vision to transform the nation into a knowledge-driven economy. He highlighted the significance of institutional partnerships and various collaborative initiatives to prepare a workforce ready for the future.

Ms. Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission, stressed the importance of practical collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese institutions. She advocated for faculty exchanges, joint certification pathways, and enterprise-supported training initiatives.

Ms. Zhang Junhua from China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security delivered the keynote address, discussing China’s experience in workforce development and inviting collaboration with Pakistan. She also extended an invitation to the Pakistani delegation for the upcoming WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai.

The symposium included presentations from Chinese TVET institutions and interactive discussions on collaboration opportunities. In closing, Ambassador Hashmi thanked all participants and expressed hope for concrete partnerships in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnology sectors.