In a significant step towards fostering cooperation between Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, Qaiser Nawab, Chairman of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), and Mr. Duan Xiaofei, General Manager of CIIC International Education Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Beijing on April 22, 2025. (Photo provided to Bridging News and iChongqing)

In a significant step towards fostering cooperation between Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries, Qaiser Nawab, Chairman of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), and Mr. Duan Xiaofei, General Manager of CIIC International Education Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Beijing on April 22. This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in workforce training, capacity building, and vocational education, with an initial pilot project in Pakistan, though the agreement encompasses all BRI partner countries.

This partnership, focused on vocational education, technical skills development, and human resource development, is expected to benefit over 100,000 youth across Pakistan, a country where 65% of the population is under the age of 30. The initiative will provide opportunities for youth to access quality skills training and job placements, addressing the pressing need for skilled labor in Pakistan and fostering economic growth.

While the pilot project will commence in Pakistan in July 2025, the agreement has far-reaching goals to extend across the Belt and Road region, aiming to support workforce development in all BRI partner countries, creating sustainable opportunities for youth employment and skills development.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Qaiser Nawab, Chairman of BRISD, highlighted the long-term impact this partnership would have on the youth of Pakistan and the broader Belt and Road region. "This partnership represents a new chapter in our efforts to bridge the gap between innovation and heritage, creating new opportunities for youth and industries across the Belt and Road," Nawab said.

Mr. Duan Xiaofei, General Manager of CIIC International Education Technology, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "This partnership is a crucial step in advancing technical education and fostering stronger cultural and professional ties between China and Pakistan. We are committed to working with BRISD to support the growth of skilled talent, which is essential for the success of the Belt and Road Initiative and the sustainable development of both nations."

The signing ceremony was also attended by Dr. Mohammad Shahbaz, Vice Chairman of BRISD, and Dr. Majid Khan, Senior Vice Chairman of BRISD, who expressed their strong support for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to foster sustainable development and address the challenges of youth unemployment in Pakistan and other BRI partner countries.

The first phase of this collaboration will be focused on Pakistan, with plans to expand across Belt and Road partner countries in the coming years. The MOU outlines key areas for collaboration, including vocational training, skills certification, and the development of industry-academia partnerships that will support CPEC projects and promote knowledge sharing across regions.