Technical, vocational institutes along CPEC route planned

Islamabad

China will help establish state-of-the-art technical and vocational institutes at strategic nodes along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route, including Gilgit, Mansehra, DI Khan, Abbottabad, Quetta and Gwadar.

This was stated by Yunnan Minzu University Vice President Duan Gang during a meeting with National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Executive Director Zulfiqar Ahmad Cheema here on Tuesday.

The NAVTTC is an apex body at national level to regulate, facilitate and provide policy direction in vocational and technical training.

The commission is establishing and promoting linkages among various stakeholders existing at national as well as international level.

The meeting was held to explore ways and means to promote cooperation and exchange in technical and vocational sector.

Zulfiqar Cheema briefed visitor about the role of National Vocational and Technical Education Commission as an advisory body to the federal government on TVET and the recent initiatives of NAVTTC to introduce reforms in the current TVET system of Pakistan including establishment of Job Placement Centre and introducing competency based training throughout the country.

He said the CPEC project would open new vistas of prosperity and development and offer enormous employment opportunities for the people of Pakistan.

"The CPEC is a living reflection of a strong Pakistan-China bond and it will serve geo-strategic interests of both the countries," he said.

The NAVTTC ED said Pakistan and China should enhance their collaboration to reboot TVET system in Pakistan.

He said skilled youths were the most powerful tool for poverty alleviation and can play an important role in the socio-economic development of the country.

On the occasion, Yunnan Minzu University Vice President Duan Gang said China would help in establishing state-of-the-art technical and vocational institutes at strategic nodes along the CPEC route including Gilgit, Mansehra, D.I. Khan, Abbottabad, Quetta and Gwadar.

He later visited the National Training Bureau and said the bureau would be transformed into a centre of excellence of international standard with the help of China.

Mr. Duan Gang offered internship for Pakistani trainees in various vocational courses including event management, e-commerce, tourism, handicrafts and agriculture.

He also extended its full cooperation in the start of a teacher’s training programme, establishment of a research centre in Islamabad, and up-gradation of the existing labs/equipment and institutes in Pakistan.