In a landmark development aimed at deepening professional and economic ties, the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and the Chinese Society of Engineers (CSE) have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), establishing reciprocal recognition of professional engineering qualifications between Pakistan and China.
The agreement was formalized during a ceremony in Chengdu, where the PEC delegation was led by Engr Waseem Nazir, Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council, while the Chinese side was represented by Mr Wan Gang, President of the Chinese Society of Engineers, and Mr Gong Ke, Former President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations. The agreement was officially signed by Engr Dr Nasir Mahmood Khan, Secretary/Registrar of PEC, and Mr Zhang Bin, Deputy Secretary-General of the CSE.
Engr Waseem Nazir hailed the agreement as a transformative milestone for Pakistan’s engineering community, stating that it reflects growing international trust in the country’s technical expertise. He emphasized that the MRA will not only expand professional opportunities for young engineers but also contribute to Pakistan’s service-export economy and soft-power projection, particularly in countries aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Under the agreement, bachelor’s degrees awarded by PEC and CEEAA-accredited institutions will now be mutually recognized without the need for additional examinations, provided the engineers hold valid registrations with PEC or CSE. This recognition will allow engineers to obtain provisional licensure and participate in cross-border projects across sectors such as infrastructure, energy, smart cities, and information and communication technologies.
The agreement stipulates that engineers must comply with local professional codes, standards, and regulatory frameworks in their host countries. A joint PEC–CSE implementation framework will oversee credential verification, continuing professional development programs, and professional exchange initiatives. An annual review mechanism has also been established to ensure the MRA remains current and effective.
For Pakistan’s engineering sector, the benefits of this agreement are substantial. It enhances career mobility for thousands of engineers, facilitates entry into high-demand global markets, and enables Pakistani professionals to engage in major engineering ventures abroad. In addition to supporting workforce export, the MRA is expected to contribute to increased foreign remittances and foreign-exchange earnings.
Related: PEC funds 543 engineering projects
Beyond economics, the agreement elevates Pakistan’s international profile, positioning its engineers as ambassadors of technical excellence and cultural diplomacy. As Pakistani professionals take on key roles in global projects, they will represent not just their skills but also the values and capabilities of “Brand Pakistan.” This mutual recognition agreement marks a significant step toward broader collaboration and integration between two of Asia’s leading engineering communities.