Beijing (TDI): In a significant push to strengthen vocational education and empower young Pakistanis with practical skills, Pakistan and China have signed a package of cooperation agreements aimed at bridging the gap between theory and practical, industry-level expertise.
The agreements were signed on Tuesday at the “Seminar on International Cooperation and Exchange: Integration of Industry and Education in Vocational Education between China and Pakistan” held in Beijing, where officials from both countries unveiled joint programs and partnerships designed to link education with real-world job market needs.
In total, 21 documents were signed, and five cooperation platforms were launched, covering areas such as shared teaching resources, professional standards development, curriculum improvement, faculty training, and the establishment of enterprise-linked training bases.
Under these agreements, vocational disciplines ranging from culinary arts and nutrition to fashion design, food inspection, supply chain management, modern agriculture and information security technology applications will be aligned with international professional criteria.
This is expected to help students and trainees gain skills that meet both domestic and global industry requirements.
Speaking at the event, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, noted that cooperation has progressed beyond discussion to practical implementation, with a focus on equipping young people with the tools they need to fulfil their career aspirations and contribute to economic growth.
Officials from Pakistan’s National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) stressed that this partnership will help build a scalable, skilled workforce, particularly for emerging sectors such as digital technologies, energy and modern services, and support ongoing projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Companies involved in the agreements expressed commitment to helping young people turn their education into meaningful employment and better livelihoods.
Through industry-linked workshops and overseas training modules, students will gain hands-on experience and exposure to the latest trends and technologies.
Max Ma of ITMC Technology Co., Ltd. said the company is committed to transferring expertise, technical know-how and best practices to ensure that young people in Pakistan gain real, long-term benefits.
He noted that education can be a powerful tool for changing lives, enabling youth to improve their future prospects and achieve meaningful personal and professional growth.
He added that ITMC remains guided by the principle of doing what is right, even when it is challenging, a commitment that continues to shape the company’s efforts to support young people in turning their ambitions into reality.
The vocational training pact reflects a deepening of education and skills cooperation between Pakistan and China, highlighting a shared belief that investing in human capital is essential for future economic resilience and youth empowerment.
Minahil Khurshid holds a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from CIPS, NUST. She has a strong interest in current affairs, geopolitics, and policy analysis.
