ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, China will provide 3,000 training and study opportunities to Pakistani citizens over the next five years. This initiative is a key part of the China-Pakistan Action Plan (2025–2029), which was finalized during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent official visit to Beijing.
The agreement places a major emphasis on developing Pakistan’s human capital, particularly in the fields of science and technology. A central component of the plan involves the creation of new joint research laboratories under the Belt and Road Initiative. These facilities will focus on critical areas such as climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), agriculture, health, disaster management, and clean energy.
To facilitate the exchange of knowledge, a range of prestigious Chinese programs will be opened to Pakistani researchers and officials. These include the Talented Young Scientist Programme, the CAS President’s Fellowship, and other technical training workshops aimed at building professional and administrative capacity.
Beyond science and tech, the cooperation will extend to diverse fields including traditional medicine, marine sciences, cybersecurity, and vocational training. The two nations have also agreed to conduct joint surveys to explore energy resources like natural gas hydrates.
Officials from both countries believe this wide-ranging initiative will create strong academic and professional links between Pakistan and China, while simultaneously providing Pakistani nationals with the advanced skills needed for sustainable economic growth.
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