Pakistan-China Vocational Education: 20 Students Begin Final Year in Fujian
Twenty Pakistani students have arrived in Beijing to commence the final year of their specialised diploma programme in China, marking another significant step in China-Pakistan cooperation in vocational education and skills development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The students are enrolled in the CCTE Dual Diploma Program and will complete their third and final year of studies at Fujian Vocational and Technical College in Fujian Province. The programme was initiated under the China-Pakistan Vocational Education Academic Alliance model, with support from the Academy for Vocational and Professional Development (NAVPD) of NHU and Pakistan's National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC).
Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stated that the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training launched the Dual Diploma Program two years ago. "Twenty successful students are traveling to Fujian Vocational and Technical College, China, for their third and final year of education," he said, adding that the initiative had been implemented with the support of NAVTTC.
According to the minister, the selected students largely come from middle-class families and have been assured employment opportunities with Chinese companies after completing the diploma. The programme also provides financial support to participating students.
For the students, the programme offers an invaluable opportunity to gain practical exposure to China's vocational education system and develop technical skills relevant to modern industries.
Speaking to APP, the Pakistani students expressed their enthusiasm: "Studying in China is a valuable opportunity for us to gain technical knowledge and practical experience. We hope to use these skills to contribute to Pakistan's industrial and economic development after completing our studies."
The arrival of the students highlights the growing scope of China-Pakistan cooperation in technical and vocational education, complementing bilateral collaboration in infrastructure, trade, and investment by focusing on human-resource and skills development. The initiative is also expected to help prepare Pakistani youth for employment opportunities in emerging industries and enterprises associated with the broader CPEC framework.
Provincial Assembly Member Muhammad Aamir Siddiqui, Ijaz-ul-Haq, and federal government official Dr. Ubaid Ali were present at Karachi Airport to see the students off.