BEIJING: In a landmark move aimed at empowering youth and fostering closer cooperation among Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to launch a large-scale workforce training and capacity-building initiative, beginning with 10,000 Pakistani youth in the first phase.
The agreement was signed between Qaiser Nawab, Chairman of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), and Duan Xiaofei, General Manager of CIIC International Education Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
The MoU marks a significant step toward addressing skill shortages, youth unemployment, and promoting sustainable development through vocational education.
Speaking to Gwadar Pro, Chairman Nawab said the initiative will be fully funded by CIIC, with the pilot phase launching in July 2025 in Pakistan. The project is expected to expand to train 100,000 youth across BRI countries, including regions in the Global South, where the need for skilled human resources is most urgent.
“This is not just a workforce training project—it is a transformation opportunity,” Nawab remarked. “Pakistan’s youth are its strength, and through targeted skill development, we can align them with emerging opportunities across BRI corridors, especially in CPEC-related projects.”
The MoU outlines deep collaboration in vocational training, skills certification, and industry-academia partnerships, designed to ensure employability and practical engagement with ongoing development efforts across the BRI network. It also includes support for cross-border knowledge exchange and technical cooperation to promote innovation and competitiveness.
Nawab emphasized the sustainability of the initiative, citing the growing demand for trained professionals across multiple sectors. “The issue is not a lack of talent, but a lack of opportunity and structured training. Our partnership with CIIC addresses this gap with a high-quality, industry-aligned curriculum and job-oriented focus,” he added.
Importantly, the project incorporates a dual approach—focusing not just on training but also on job placement. Upon completing the training, participants will be linked with employment opportunities within BRI-linked enterprises, especially Chinese companies operating in Pakistan and other partner countries.
“This ensures the program has real economic impact, by translating skill development into meaningful livelihoods, empowering youth, and contributing to sustainable economic growth,” said Nawab.
CIIC General Manager Duan Xiaofei echoed this sentiment, stating, “This partnership is a pivotal moment in enhancing technical education and building stronger cultural and economic bridges between China and Pakistan. CIIC is committed to delivering world-class training and helping youth realize their full potential in the modern workforce.”
The initiative is viewed as a flagship model of China-Pakistan collaboration under the BRI, paving the way for similar programs in other member states.
