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LAHORE, Jul 23 (APP): In a strategic move aimed at strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and China and enhancing job prospects for Pakistani workers, the Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) is planning to announce the initiation of Chinese language courses specifically tailored for skilled laborers and professionals seeking employment in China or with Chinese enterprises operating within Pakistan.
PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain stated this during a think-tank session held here at PCJCCI secretariat on Wednesday.
He added that Pakistani skilled workers and laborers will become far more valuable to Chinese companies if they possess Chinese language proficiency. He said, the workers who can communicate effectively in Chinese will have a competitive edge resulting in better job placement, performance, and growth opportunities. The initiative aims to bridge the communication gap between the Pakistani workforce and Chinese supervisors, engineers, and management teams, he maintained. With a growing number of Chinese companies investing in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said, the ability to speak and understand Mandarin Chinese is becoming increasingly essential.
PCJCCI Senior Vice President Brig (Retd) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh said, “Despite our differing social and cultural traditions, Pakistan and China share a deep-rooted friendship based on mutual respect and cooperation. These language courses will enable our laborers to adapt quickly and work seamlessly with Chinese teams, both in Pakistan and abroad.”
He stressed that countries driving growth through regional labour mobility have one thing in common: investment in human capital, particularly in language and digital skills. “We must be proactive. Our workforce can become a magnet for foreign direct investment (FDI), provided we prepare them with the right skill sets and communication tools.
The joint chamber’s Vice President Zafar Iqbal said, “We also called on the federal government to support the initiative by launching a national workforce development programmer that includes language and technical training aligned with the needs of Chinese companies. He emphasized that this effort would not only increase employment opportunities for Pakistani youth but also strengthen Pakistan’s positioning as a preferred partner in regional industrial relocation.
Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI, stated that this is not just a language course but a strategic tool to prepare Pakistani workforce for integration into the global value chain. Countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh have benefited from similar shifts; it’s time for Pakistan to do the same. With China shifting parts of its manufacturing sector to cost-effective regions, Pakistan has a unique opportunity to attract industries looking to relocate.