An agreement has been signed to establish the Pakistan-China Digital Silk Road Institute at the Government Technical Training Institute (GTTI) in Gulberg, Lahore. The signing ceremony took place at the TEVTA Secretariat, with notable attendees including the Chinese Consul General in Lahore, Mr Zhao Shiren, and Chairperson of TEVTA Punjab, Brig (R) Muhammad Sajid Khokhar, SI(M).
The agreement marks a collaboration between several stakeholders, including the Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics from China, Zhug Lan Trading Company Pvt Ltd, GTTI Lahore, ITMC Technology Ltd, and TEVTA Punjab. It aims to foster a deeper partnership between Pakistani and Chinese institutions in the field of technical and vocational education, particularly within the digital sector.
During the ceremony, the Chinese Consul General highlighted the importance of the agreement in light of the upcoming visit of the Chinese President to Pakistan. He expressed optimism that this model would be replicated in other provinces across the country. Referring to the collaboration as a promising start, he emphasized that “a good beginning is half the success.”
Chairperson TEVTA Brig Khokhar described the agreement as a landmark achievement. He noted that it is the first time Chinese academic and industrial entities are joining hands with TEVTA Punjab. He underscored that the initiative is designed to empower Pakistan’s youth with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the evolving digital economy. He also revealed that the initial memorandum of understanding was signed during his visit to China in December 2024 and has now been officially implemented.
Other speakers included Managing Director of ITMC Mr Wang Peng, Chairman of the Chinese Business Council Mr Chen Qianjiang, and Mr Ni Hao, all of whom emphasized the significance of the agreement and its potential impact.
The event was attended by several senior TEVTA officials, including COO Mr Shahid Zaman Lak, SDG Mr Akhtar Abbas Bharwana, and DG Mr Amir Aziz. After the ceremony, the delegation visited the institute’s facilities, including the China-assisted Luban Workshop and the ongoing hospitality training classes at GTTI Gulberg.