ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (APP): Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Thursday urged stronger Pakistan-China cooperation in vocational education, technical training and skills development to boost youth employment by aligning educational programmes with industrial needs and creating sustainable economic opportunities for young people.
Addressing the Belt and Road International Industry-Education Cooperation Forum in Beijing, he said Pakistan is committed to building practical partnerships with Chinese educational institutions and industries through joint training programmes, curriculum development, teacher training and industry linked education to improve youth employability and support economic growth,according to a press release received here.
Representing the Government of Pakistan, Rana Mashhood congratulated the forum’s organisers and appreciated TANG International Education Group for providing a platform to strengthen international collaboration in education and skills development.
He stressed that education must extend beyond classrooms and respond to evolving industrial requirements and technological advances, describing vocational education and technical training as essential to developing practical skills, employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.
He identified the digital economy, advanced manufacturing, energy and healthcare as key sectors where industry-oriented training could prepare young people for emerging employment opportunities.
Rana Mashhood reaffirmed that youth development remained a priority of the government under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, saying the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme was advancing youth empowerment through its four pillars of Education, Employment, Engagement and Environment, with particular emphasis on employment under the National Youth Employment Policy.
He said Pakistan sought to benefit from China’s experience in vocational education, industrial development and skills training, urging both countries to translate their longstanding strategic partnership into concrete initiatives, including joint courses, applied research, institutional collaboration and stronger links between graduates and employers.
He noted that the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor offered significant opportunities to connect skills development with industrial expansion and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
The chairman said the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme was ready to work with Chinese universities, vocational colleges, enterprises and educational institutions to expand student exchanges, teacher training, digital learning platforms, international certification and school-enterprise partnerships.
Highlighting institutional progress, he said the Chinese Secretariat of Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Youth Programme had been established at TANG International Education Group in June 2026 to strengthen coordination between the two countries in youth development, skills training and educational cooperation.
The secretariat is expected to connect government initiatives, educational institutions and industry partners, helping identify common priorities and turn cooperation plans into practical opportunities for young people.
Rana Mashhood also called for an open and inclusive international vocational education network involving China, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. He encouraged participating countries to exchange expertise, align training programmes with industry requirements and explore mutual recognition of skills and qualifications.
He expressed confidence that the forum would deepen international partnerships, improve educational and employment prospects for young people and contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
