MoUs signed for vocational training

Envoy says vocational education will help youth transform dreams into skills and jobs

BEIJING:

China and Pakistan have signed a package of cooperation documents and launched joint programmes to advance vocational education, with a focus on integrating industry needs with skills training.

The agreements were announced at the "Seminar on International Cooperation and Exchange: Integration of Industry and Education in Vocational Education between China and Pakistan" held in Beijing.

At the ceremony, 21 documents were signed and five cooperation platforms were unveiled, covering professional standards, shared teaching resources, faculty and curriculum development, and enterprise-linked training bases.

Under the Professional Standards and International Teaching Resource Database track, partners agreed to develop standards and resources in disciplines such as Culinary Arts & Nutrition, Fashion and Costume Design, Food Inspection and Testing, Supply Chain Operation, Fine Chemical Technology, Modern Agriculture Production, and Information Security Technology Applications, with participation from Pakistani authorities including NAVTTC and provincial technical education and training bodies.

Speaking at the seminar, Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi noted that cooperation has "moved beyond conceptual discussions" and entered "a new phase of practical advancement," adding that "vocational education has the ingredients to transform the dreams of young people into jobs, skills and employment."

National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Executive Director Muhammad Aamir Jan emphasised building a scalable workforce for CPEC/BRI projects and industrial zones as well as expanding cooperation from conventional trades into areas such as manufacturing, digital technologies, energy and modern services.

Max Ma of ITMC Technology Co Ltd said that by sharing knowledge, skills and achievements, the company aims to help Pakistani youth benefit in meaningful ways – using education to transform their prospects and build better lives.

He added that ITMC's commitment to "doing the right things, even when they are difficult" has kept the company firmly on course in supporting young people to pursue and realise their dreams.

Rice, food products

gain ground

Meanwhile, Pakistan's rice and an expanding range of food products strengthened their presence in China during January-November 2025, reflecting rising demand for diverse food imports and improved trade facilitation between the two countries.

According to data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Pakistan's rice exports reached $49.37 million in January-November 2025, up from $43.49 million during the same period in 2024. This marks an increase of $5.88 million (+14%).

The steady growth suggests continued market interest in Pakistan's rice, driven by improvements in processing, packaging and compliance with import regulations.

Further data revealed strong gains across several other food categories. Exports of flour, meals and pellets of meat/fish and related products rose to $35.57 million, up from $22.76 million (+56%).