ISLAMABAD: A delegation of Chinese experts from diverse sectors is set to visit Pakistan at the end of this month to promote innovation, technology transfer, and capacity building.
The visit, which is highly anticipated for its potential impact on various sectors, was discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal here on Tuesday.
The meeting, initiated under the directive of the Prime Minister, saw participation from senior officials across federal ministries, emphasizing the significance of this international collaboration.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal instructed the ministries to prepare a detailed roadmap to optimize the outcomes of the visit, focusing on enhancing the skills of Pakistani professionals through intensive training and the exchange of knowledge. He highlighted the need to learn from China’s vast experience in technological innovation, and to adapt these advancements to meet local needs.
Specific attention was directed towards strategic sectors where Chinese expertise could dramatically benefit Pakistani professionals. Emphasizing efficiency, Minister Iqbal applied the 80/20 rule, advising ministries to target those areas that promise the highest yield in terms of results.
“China’s impressive import market, which stands at $2.7 trillion, represents a vast opportunity for Pakistan. We need to focus on sectors that could enhance our exports and help us secure a more significant share in Chinese imports,” said Minister Iqbal.
Reflecting on China’s rapid progress, the Minister underscored the importance of leveraging Chinese advancements to bolster Pakistan’s strategic development goals. He set an ambitious target to increase Pakistan’s exports to China from $30 billion to $150 billion over the next decade.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has already laid the groundwork for substantial investment and development opportunities. With the commencement of CPEC’s second phase, enhanced industrial and technological collaborations are expected.
“The impending visit of Chinese experts will open numerous avenues for us to directly benefit from Chinese experiences,” Minister Iqbal added. “We are dedicated to building a robust foundation for our future growth through capacity building, innovation adaptation, and skill development.”
