Ambassador Khalil Hashmi’s remarks at 2024 China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education

November 01,2024

Theme: “The Belt and Road” Digital Education International Development 

Honorable Secretary General of China Education Association for International Exchange, Mr. Yang Ju,
President TANG International Education Li Jinsong,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning,
Good Morning and Dajia Hao,

It is a pleasure to be here at the 25th China Annual Conference on International Education, and to co-organize the ‘Belt and Road’ Digital Education International Development Forum with TANG International Education Group. I extend my sincere appreciation to the China Education Association for International Exchange and TANG International Education Group for organizing this forum. 
 
Today, we gather under the theme of “The Belt and Road: Digital Education International Development”—a theme that resonates with Pakistan's vision of harnessing digital education for progress, inclusivity, and economic resilience.
 
This event is more than a platform; it’s a meeting of minds, a space where nations can exchange ideas, collaborate, and shape the future of education. I am therefore very pleased to represent Pakistan in co-hosting the ‘Belt and Road’ Digital Education International Development Forum, a collaboration that reinforces our shared vision for a digitally inclusive world.
 
The relationship between Pakistan and China is one of trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. TANG International, a longstanding partner in this journey, has played an instrumental role in bridging educational gaps and opening doors for Pakistani youth. Their dedication embodies the timeless wisdom, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Through TANG’s efforts, young Pakistanis are learning to “fish” in the digital age, gaining skills that will serve them—and our societies—for generations.
 
In a world where digital education is emerging as a vital force, Pakistan sees it as a game-changer, especially in a country with over 50 million students. However for many, barriers like geography and resources still stand in the way. But digital education offers a unique solution, one that can extend high-quality education to every corner of our nation, empowering teachers with new tools and fostering an inclusive, interactive learning environment. With digital platforms, we can ensure that every young Pakistani has access to the education they deserve, irrespective of their location.
 
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) holds critical importance in Pakistan’s context. At this pivotal moment in our nation’s development, with projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) paving the way for unprecedented industrial growth, the need for a skilled workforce has never been more pressing. TVET is the cornerstone of this workforce, building a base of skilled professionals who will drive our economic momentum forward. By focusing on skills development, we are not just creating workers—we’re empowering future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will shape Pakistan’s destiny.
 
I am pleased to highlight that Pakistan and China have made substantial strides in our bilateral cooperation, including the recent visit by Premier Li Qiang where both nations committed to an upgraded version of CPEC. To achieve this end, our two countries are also committed to youth development and educational exchange. Initiatives like the 38 dual diploma programs and nearly 1,000 scholarships awarded to Pakistani students represent more than numbers; they are investments in a shared future, equipping our youth with knowledge and opportunities that will shape their lives.
 
In this spirit, the establishment of the China-Pakistan TVET Industrial Center of Excellence, a collaboration between Pakistan’s National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and TANG International, is a groundbreaking achievement. This center is a beacon of our shared vision for progress, facilitating curriculum development, cultural exchange, and skills training that will serve the broader goals of CPEC. I encourage our Chinese friends to join and support this initiative, further strengthening the ties between our two great nations.
 
Digital education is not just a shift in technology; it is a shift in society. It offers us the power to reshape education into a more accessible, adaptable, and impactful force for good. By integrating digital tools, we prepare our youth for an increasingly complex and competitive world, equipping them with critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills. 
 
Together, let us continue laying the foundations for a future where education knows no borders, and the spirit of collaboration defines our path forward. I am confident that the initiatives we embark upon today will have a profound and lasting impact, propelling us toward a digitally inclusive world.
 
Thank you.

01 November 2024
Beijing