ISLAMABAD:
China will provide 3,000 training and study opportunities to Pakistani nationals from 2025 to 2029 under a new China-Pakistan cooperation plan.
This commitment is part of the China-Pakistan Action Plan (2025–2029), agreed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing last week.
The initiative falls under the section on science, technology, and human resources. It identifies human capital development as a key area of collaboration.
According to the plan brief available with Wealth Pakistan, Pakistan and China will strengthen joint research programmes in both applied and basic sciences. New laboratories will be established under the Belt and Road Initiative. They will focus on disaster prevention and mitigation, early warning systems, small hydropower development, climate change, air pollution control, new energy sources, food and agriculture, medicine and health, and artificial intelligence.
The plan also commits to expanding talent exchanges in science and technology. Pakistani research and management personnel will receive support for training and study stays in China through programmes such as the Talented Young Scientist Programme, International Technical Training Workshop for Developing Countries, CAS President’s International Fellowship Initiative, and the CAS-ANSO Scholarship.
In addition, the two countries will deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan. Specialized programmes will focus on spatial information, artificial intelligence, and traditional medicine.
Marine science and energy resources also form part of the training scope. The plan calls for joint survey and research on offshore natural gas hydrates and enhanced collaboration on marine technology.
Furthermore, the plan highlights exchanges on cybersecurity and data security. These efforts aim to build capacity in the digital sector. It also underscores cooperation in mutual recognition of engineers, employment promotion, vocational skills development, and social security system development.
Through this initiative, China will directly support Pakistan’s capacity building in science, technology, and human resources. Officials from both countries expect the China-Pakistan cooperation plan to create stronger academic, professional, and technological linkages. The plan will ensure long-term benefits for the people of Pakistan and China.
