Pakistan, China sign deal to recognise engineering qualifications

KARACHI: Pakistan and China have signed a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) that will allow reciprocal recognition of professional engineering qualifications, a step expected to boost workforce mobility, service exports and bilateral cooperation in high-tech sectors.

The agreement, finalised between the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and the Chinese Society of Engineers (CSE), enables engineers from both countries to obtain provisional licensure without additional examinations, provided they hold accredited four-year degrees and are registered with their respective national bodies.

PEC Chairperson Engr Waseem Nazir described the deal as a “vote of confidence in Pakistan’s engineers”, adding that it would open global doors for young professionals, strengthen foreign exchange earnings through services exports and enhance Pakistan’s soft power, particularly within Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) member countries. The agreement was signed by PEC Secretary Dr Nasir Mahmood Khan and CSE Deputy Secretary-General Zhang Bin, with senior representation from both sides including CSE President Wan Gang and former president of World Federation of Engineering Organisations Gong Ke.

Under the agreement, Pakistani engineers will be able to participate in infrastructure, energy, ICT and smart-city projects in China, while adhering to local regulations, ethical codes, and professional standards. A joint PEC-CSE working group will oversee credential verification, continuous professional development programmes, and engineer exchange opportunities, with an annual review mechanism to ensure compliance.

The deal is expected to benefit thousands of Pakistani engineers by enabling them to pursue licensure and project roles in China and other Belt and Road partner countries. Officials also foresee a positive impact on foreign remittances, as qualified engineers working abroad contribute to Pakistan’s external accounts. Beyond economic gains, officials say the agreement enhances the global visibility of Pakistani engineering talent and affirms the country’s ability to meet international standards.