Pakistan and China are expected to begin negotiations this month to expand an ongoing programme aimed at developing a technologically skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of international markets.
According to officials, China International Intellectech Group Co., Ltd. (CIIC Group) has sent a letter of appreciation to National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Chairperson Gulmina Bilal Ahmed, acknowledging her cooperation and role in advancing bilateral collaboration in skills development.
The letter noted that Ms Ahmed’s leadership had contributed to strengthening cooperation between the two countries in technical training and helped facilitate the establishment of a joint skills certification framework.
Under the collaboration, an international Chinese welding certification programme has been introduced in Pakistan, marking a step toward aligning the country’s technical training standards with global industry requirements.
During the pilot phase of the programme, conducted from October to December 2025, 25 welders received specialised training based on modern industrial standards. Officials said the trained welders are currently employed by Chinese companies operating in Pakistan.
According to the letter, the initiative has also contributed to strengthening institutional cooperation between the two countries by promoting technical education and creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
Formal negotiations to expand the programme are expected to begin in March 2026. In the next phase, the two sides are considering introducing additional international trade certifications beyond welding to equip Pakistani youth with skills that meet both domestic and global labour market needs. Experts say the initiative could help strengthen Pakistan’s technical education sector, deepen industrial cooperation and support economic growth by developing a more skilled workforce.