BEIJING (special crosspondent) – The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing hosted a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Symposium focused on Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, and Biotechnology on Wednesday. The event aimed to bolster Pakistan-China cooperation in critical areas of skills development, industry integration, and investment facilitation.

TVET Symposium Sets Stage for Karachi Investment Conference

Under the theme “Building Partnerships for Skills Development, Industry Integration and Investment Facilitation,” the symposium served as a crucial prelude to the upcoming Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference. This significant conference is scheduled to take place in Karachi from July 17 to 19, 2026, focusing on the same key sectors.

Pakistan’s Youth Potential Highlighted

Addressing the attendees, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, highlighted that the symposium represents the next phase of the Pakistan-China TVET Initiative. He emphasized its role in connecting vocational education directly with investment promotion. Ambassador Hashmi pointed out Pakistan’s considerable potential, with a young population exceeding 240 million, over 60 percent of whom are under 30, to become a leading regional hub for the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnology industries.

Deepening Collaboration Through CPEC Phase II

The Ambassador further elaborated that the initiative intends to engage prominent Chinese vocational institutions and enterprises at the forthcoming Karachi conference. This engagement will promote industry-led skills development, comprehensive workforce training, apprenticeships, and the establishment of enduring institutional partnerships. Additionally, under the framework of CPEC Phase II, a dedicated TVET Partnership Forum will be convened alongside the investment conference to further deepen collaboration in vocational education, human resource development, and investment facilitation.

‘Uraan Pakistan’ Vision Emphasised

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, conveyed his remarks via a virtual address. He reaffirmed the robust Pakistan-China friendship and underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ vision. This vision aims to transform the nation into a competitive, knowledge-driven economy through the strategic development of industry-oriented skills. He specifically highlighted the significance of institutional partnerships, joint training programmes, university-industry collaboration, faculty and student exchanges, certification initiatives, and the establishment of Pakistan-China Centres of Excellence.

NAVTTC Calls for Practical Cooperation

Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), communicated through a video message. She advocated for tangible cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese institutions, suggesting avenues such as train-the-trainer programmes, faculty exchanges, scholarships, joint certification pathways, enterprise-supported training initiatives, and sector-specific centres of excellence. Ms. Ahmad also expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s efforts in successfully bringing together industry leaders, investors, and vocational institutions.

China Invites Pakistan to WorldSkills Competition

Zhang Junhua, Section Chief at China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, delivered the keynote address. She shared insights into China’s success in cultivating a highly skilled workforce for its pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Ms. Zhang announced that the Ministry has extended invitations to five leading Chinese technical institutions, specializing in pharmaceutical and healthcare education, to explore collaborative opportunities with Pakistan. Furthermore, she formally invited the Pakistani delegation to participate in the 48th WorldSkills Competition, slated to be held in Shanghai from September 22 to 27, 2026.

Symposium Concludes with Optimism

The symposium featured insightful presentations from prominent Chinese TVET institutions, followed by engaging interactive discussions. These discussions focused on expanding cooperation with Pakistani counterparts in vocational education, skills development, and industry engagement. Ambassador Khalil Hashmi concluded the event by expressing his gratitude to Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Zhang Junhua, and the participating Chinese institutions for their invaluable support. He conveyed strong confidence that the symposium would serve as a catalyst for forging concrete partnerships in skills development, industrial cooperation, and investment across the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnology sectors.