ZUBAIR QURESHI
Islamabad
Pakistan and China have agreed to develop world-class technical and vocational skills among Pakistani youth in line with the workforce requirements of Chinese investment under the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The understanding was reached at a meeting between former Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Gulmina Bilal Ahmad and PowerChina Pakistan Country Director for PowerChina Eurasia Su Dong and Commercial Manager of PowerChina International Group Limited Sun Kai.
During the meeting, Gulmina Bilal Ahmad stressed the need for industry-driven training and certification programmes tailored to the requirements of Chinese companies operating in Pakistan and international markets.
She said Pakistan needed to develop technical skills and certification pathways that conform to international standards, enabling young Pakistanis to secure employment opportunities both domestically and abroad.
The proposed cooperation would cover a range of sectors, including renewable energy, electricity and power technologies, construction, engineering support services, digital and emerging technologies, and occupational health and safety.
Particular emphasis was placed on practical training and employer-recognised certification to ensure that vocational education was directly linked with industry needs.
Su Dong said providing Pakistani youth with technical training according to global standards and industry requirements was part of PowerChina’s mission.
He said China wanted to see Pakistan among developed countries and added that supporting Pakistan’s development was also in line with the policy of the Chinese government.
The participants also discussed ways to establish stronger linkages between Chinese industry and Pakistan’s technical and vocational education system. Such cooperation, they noted, could create pathways for practical training, internationally recognised certification and employment for Pakistani youth.
Both sides agreed to undertake further homework on the proposed areas of cooperation and hold another meeting shortly to finalise a framework and initiate its implementation.
The initiative assumes added significance as Pakistan seeks to maximise the employment and skills-development benefits of the next phase of CPEC by preparing its young workforce for emerging opportunities in infrastructure, energy, technology and other sectors.
The proposed industry-academia linkage is expected to help bridge the gap between conventional vocational training and the specialised skills increasingly demanded by Chinese enterprises and international employers.
Gulmina Bilal Ahmad during a meeting with representatives of PowerChina Pakistan in Islamabad to discuss industry-led technical skills, workforce development and Pakistan–China talent cooperation.
