Pakistan, China universities deepen academic ties at 6th CPEC consortium conference

ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP): Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in higher education, research and innovation as the 6th Exchange Mechanism Conference of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Consortium of Universities concluded at Harbin Engineering University, China.

Over 120 representatives from more than 40 universities and research institutions of both countries participated in the conference, guided by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan and the China Association of Higher Education.

The conference coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar attended the opening ceremony alongside senior Chinese officials and university leaders.

A key highlight was the launch of the Annual Development Report on the CPEC Consortium’s Exchange Mechanism, documenting progress in joint research, human resource development and academic exchanges, particularly in artificial intelligence, agriculture, mining, marine information and public health.

Chairman HEC also inaugurated the China-Pakistan Marine Information Workshop (CPMI), initiated by Harbin Engineering University, to boost collaboration in marine research through joint observation, data sharing and capacity building.

The conference also launched the High-Level Graduate Student Research Visit Programme, offering Pakistani graduate students opportunities for research visits and joint training in China. Several cooperation agreements were signed between Harbin Engineering University and Pakistani universities to strengthen institutional partnerships.

Four parallel forums on marine information, artificial intelligence, advanced materials and intelligent manufacturing, and youth collaboration were also held. The engagements reaffirmed both countries’ resolve to advance academic partnerships and innovation under the CPEC framework.