Pakistan and China are expected to deepen cooperation under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with the two sides set to sign 11 new agreements aimed at workforce development and vocational training.

The accords, expected to be finalised during upcoming bilateral meetings, focus on expanding technical education programs, establishing training centres, and upgrading skill development initiatives in key sectors. Officials say the agreements will directly support CPEC Phase II’s emphasis on industrial growth, agricultural modernisation, and socio-economic cooperation.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning noted that the initiatives are designed to strengthen the country’s human resource base, equipping young people with advanced technical and vocational skills. This is seen as essential for supporting upcoming industrial parks and special economic zones being developed under CPEC.

Chinese officials have highlighted the agreements as a continuation of Beijing’s commitment to “shared development,” pointing out that investment in human capital will ensure that CPEC projects are sustainable and mutually beneficial.

Analysts view the training accords as a shift from Phase I of CPEC, which focused heavily on infrastructure and energy, to Phase II, which emphasises long-term capacity building. By targeting skills in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and digital technology, the agreements are expected to generate employment opportunities and enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in regional supply chains.

The move comes as Pakistan seeks to address persistent challenges of unemployment and under-skilled labour, while China looks to secure reliable partners for industrial cooperation. Both governments say the partnerships mark another step toward strengthening the “all-weather strategic cooperative” ties between the two countries.

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