Islamabad/Beijing 22 March 2023 (TDI): The Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) and the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS) are proud to announce the formation of the Joint Research Centre, an important step and initiative set to enhance collaborative academic research and international diplomacy between China and Pakistan.
This partnership is established under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on January 25, 2023, highlighting both institutions’ commitment to fostering intellectual exchange and cooperation.
The primary goal of the Joint Research Centre is to leverage the combined resources and expertise of ACCWS and IPDS to advance scholarly research and facilitate dialogue on key international issues.
The Centre will focus on areas critical to both nations and the global community, including China-Pakistan relations, global governance, the Belt and Road Initiative, and regional studies.
The establishment of the Joint Research Centre by ACCWS and IPDS represents a significant step forward in academic and diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.
By combining their strengths, the two institutions aim to contribute valuable insights and foster dialogue on critical international issues, reinforcing their roles as key players in global academia and diplomacy.
Under the auspices of the MoU, the Joint Research Centre will undertake various collaborative endeavors, including joint and commissioned research projects, organization of seminars, symposiums, and knowledge-sharing events, publication of joint research findings and scholarly works, an established mechanism for the exchange of research information and updates, cross-invitations for participation in academic seminars and exchanges, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and collaboration between the two countries.
The Centre’s focus on collaborative research regarding China-Pakistan relations and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), under which China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project, means that the generated insights could significantly influence policy formulation and implementation.
The research outcomes can provide evidence-based recommendations to address existing challenges and optimize the benefits of CPEC projects. This could lead to more effective policy-making processes, ensuring that CPEC’s development objectives are met more efficiently and sustainably.
By facilitating a deeper academic exchange and understanding between China and Pakistan, the Joint Research Centre can contribute to strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Centre’s work on regional studies and global governance will provide a platform for both countries to explore new areas of cooperation within the CPEC framework and beyond. This enhanced cooperation and understanding can lead to a more robust and resilient partnership, capable of navigating the complexities of international relations and regional dynamics.
The establishment of the Joint Research Centre between ACCWS and IPDS is expected to have a multifaceted impact on CPEC and China-Pakistan relations.
By fostering academic research, policy analysis, and people-to-people exchanges, the Centre can contribute to enhancing the strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, ensuring that CPEC realizes its full potential as a corridor of prosperity and a beacon of international cooperation.