ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a strategic move to enhance workforce development across the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD) has entered into a partnership with CIIC International Education Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster vocational training and skills development, with a particular focus on Pakistan.
A Step Toward Empowering Youth
The partnership, which aims to provide technical skills training and create job opportunities, will target Pakistan’s youth, with an emphasis on those under 30 years of age—making up approximately 65% of the country’s population. The initial phase of the project will launch in Pakistan in July 2025, with plans for expansion to other BRI countries in the future.
Key Features of the Collaboration
Under the MOU, both BRISD and CIIC will work to enhance vocational training, develop human resources, and provide skills certification. The collaboration will also help support the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, fostering industry-academia partnerships and promoting knowledge exchange.
Qaiser Nawab, Chairman of BRISD, highlighted the long-term significance of the collaboration, noting, “This initiative bridges the gap between innovation and heritage, creating new opportunities for youth and industries across the Belt and Road.”
Duan Xiaofei, General Manager of CIIC, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of technical education as a means to strengthen cultural and professional ties between China and Pakistan.
Impact on BRI Countries and Beyond
The collaboration’s primary goal is to empower youth by equipping them with practical skills that are in high demand. By enhancing the workforce’s capabilities, this initiative will also contribute to the economic growth of the BRI countries. The MOU not only aims to boost technical training but also looks at creating a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the needs of modern industries, particularly in key infrastructure projects under CPEC.
The agreement also places a significant focus on long-term sustainability, aligning with China’s 2025 economic strategy which prioritizes technological innovation and sustainable development.
Looking to the Future
With the first phase set to begin in Pakistan, the initiative is expected to create a substantial impact on the local economy by equipping young people with skills that will enhance their employability and contribute to national development. Over time, the program aims to expand across the BRI network, offering training and resources to a wider pool of youth and preparing them for roles in various industries, particularly those aligned with the BRI’s goals.
This partnership represents a key step in addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in the region and paves the way for stronger economic and cultural ties between China, Pakistan, and other BRI nations.
