ISLAMABAD: The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) is hopeful that 11 professional and training programmes will be formally signed on Thursday between Pakistan and China under CPEC Phase II.

According to a press release issued here, on the occasion of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, Pakistan and China are set to sign 11 agreements aimed at launching professional training programmes in Pakistan under CPEC’s second phase.

The press release stated that the government aims to ensure the earliest completion of CPEC. In this regard, the PM entrusted the responsibility of preparing a highly skilled workforce for CPEC Phase II to the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. Subsequently, the minister set the targets.

On his instruction, Chairperson of NAVTTC Gulmina Bilal Ahmed visited China, presented a briefing, and requested Chinese authorities regarding the preparation of professional training programmes in Pakistan with Chinese cooperation under CPEC Phase II.

“As a result, the Chinese side agreed to 11 specialised programmes which will benefit thousands of Pakistanis. These programmes include: training in the Chinese language along with the preparation of local instructors; initiatives in e-commerce, software technology, drone applications, agriculture, and medical laboratory sciences; development of curricula, digital courses, and degree programmes in modern fields such as intelligent manufacturing; provision of dual diploma and degree programmes offering Pakistani students opportunities to study in China; teacher exchange and training initiatives; establishment of specialised workshops and training centres in nursing, rehabilitation, pharmacy, smart health, non-ferrous metallurgy, and intelligent mining technologies; and internationally recognised certifications in key fields such as construction engineering, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and hospitality management,” the press release read.

It further stated that NAVTTC and the Government of China also signed 11 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to these projects, under which the formal agreements will be signed on Thursday.

“Officials noted that these projects will not only contribute to preparing thousands of skilled individuals in Pakistan but will also create opportunities for dignified employment both within CPEC-related ventures and in the global job market,” the press release added.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2025