China-Pak forge closer ties in AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI), heralded as a driving force in the new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, holds immense potential to elevate social productivity to unprecedented levels. China’s remarkable strides in AI development, despite being a late entrant, have positioned it as a key player in the global AI landscape. Recognising the significance of AI in reshaping industries and economies, China and Pakistan are coming together to explore opportunities for technological collaboration in this field.

In response to numerous requests from Pakistani companies seeking collaboration with Chinese counterparts in the AI sector, the China-Pakistan Cooperation Centre on Technical Standardisation organised the “China-Pakistan Artificial Intelligence Industry Cooperation Matchmaking” meeting on September 13th. During this event, five Chinese companies and five Pakistani companies converged to introduce their businesses and outline their requirements. They showcased their latest technologies, featuring innovations such as digital human interfaces, chatbots, and AI transformation services.

President of the Chengdu Institute of Standardisation, Huang Hao, emphasised the long-standing cooperation between his institute and the Institute of Quality and Technology Management (IQTM) at the University of the Punjab. This partnership led to the establishment of the China-Pakistan Cooperation Centre on Technical Standardisation in 2020, with collaboration spanning various sectors, including traditional Chinese medicine, food, and information technology. Huang noted that this matchmaking meeting marked the first in a series of five IT subsector meetings scheduled in the coming months.

A representative from Tkxel, a Pakistani company, highlighted the differing strengths in the AI sector between the two countries, stating, “In Pakistan, there are more service companies providing AI services, while in China, there are more AI product providers. This exchange can help us understand each other’s requirements and capabilities. Moreover, it opens the door to potential collaboration in developing new innovations. Joint research and development centres could be established, allowing Chinese and Pakistani companies to work together and make progress in this dynamic field.”

A professor at IQTM in the University of the Punjab, Muhammad Usman Awan, underscored the importance of reaching business-to-business agreements quickly for mutual benefit. He emphasised the need for technical cooperation and efficient utilisation of available skills as the way forward. Awan stated that this meeting could mark the beginning of a new era of technological cooperation between China and Pakistan.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Chengdu Software Industry Association, Yu Jingyang, also participated in the session. He extended an invitation to all attendees to participate in the 21st China International Software Cooperation Conference, a prestigious event in the software industry scheduled to be held in Chengdu in December. This conference offers a valuable platform to explore further collaboration opportunities.

Earlier this year, Chinese Science Commissioner to Pakistan, Yin Shengxin, expressed optimism about the future of science and technology (S&T) cooperation between China and Pakistan. In an interview, Yin highlighted the potential for collaboration in fields such as AI, agriculture, information technology, and renewable energy. He stressed the importance of cooperation that benefits both nations’ populations, following the principle of win-win.

Yin underscored the transformative impact of AI integration in China’s corporate sector, contributing significantly to its economic growth. He also shared notable Chinese achievements in science and technology, including space missions, the Beidou Navigation System, and high-speed rail projects.

Yin outlined the mechanisms in place to promote S&T cooperation between China and Pakistan, including the China-Pakistan Joint Committee on S&T and the CPEC S&T Joint Working Group. He highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative’s role in enhancing scientific and technological collaboration between the two countries through initiatives like S&T People-to-People Exchange, Joint Laboratories, Science Park Cooperation, and Technology Transfer.

THE ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED ON THE CHINA ECONOMIC NET (WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM RADIO PAKISTAN)

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2023.

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