ISLAMABAD (INP): A group of fifty Pakistani teachers left for Beijing to acquaint themselves with Chinese language and culture on the invitation of the Chinese government.
It was the second batch of teachers visiting the China within a period one month. The visit aimed at developing communication linkages at the people-to-people level and to provide linguistic support to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The group includes school, college and University teachers from various parts of the country.
It was jointly sponsored by the Chinese Embassy and China Culture Center in Islamabad and Beijing Language and Culture University. At the saw-off ceremony held at the Embassy, Chinese ambassador’s wife Madam Bao Jiqing hoped that the visiting teachers would be a source of inspirations for continuation of their deep-rooted friendly relations from generation to generation.
Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed and Executive Director National Vocational and Technical Training Commission Zulfiqar Cheema were also present on the occasion who thanked Madam Bao for her initiative and encouragement in arranging such visits to strengthen bonds of friendship.
Madam Bao briefed the teachers’ delegation about the program and purpose of the visit, hoping they will act as ambassador of Pakistan to generate further goodwill among the people of two countries. Language is the bridge between the people, stating that she herself has been a language teacher at Foreign Affairs University for over ten years, teaching English.
She noted that there has been more and more demand of Pakistani students for learning Chinese language with the progress of CPEC. The demand for the Chinese language teachers also goes up, and the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has been promoting Chinese language teachers’ training and encouraging not only short-term training but also degree study in China.
Madam Bao spoke about the growing Sino-Pak friendship, stating they are dear friends, trusted partners, good neighbours and iron brothers, weathering all the storms together and sharing all the weal and woe. China and Pakistan, she said achieve fruitfully all-round co-operations in the fields of economy, trade, culture and people to people exchanges.
The CPEC, she said is a big development in the bilateral relations, that will open numerous opportunities for socio-economic development, including news jobs and business linkages.
Madam Bao Jiqing said a good number of Pakistani students were being sent to China every year, hoping on their return home they will contribute to CPEC.
A representative of teachers and students Itrat Haider expressed heartfelt thanks to Madam Bao for her sincere desire to work in collaboration with Pakistan to promote quality education in the both countries by introducing Chinese language at a vast level.
