“Beyond Business: Chinese Companies as Partners in Youth Empowerment”

By: Abdul Wahid

An inspiring display of partnership and progress between two brotherly nations was once again witnessed in Islamabad, where the Pak-China Friendship Centre became the focal point of attention on May 27, 2025. The job fair served as a beacon of hope for both fresh graduates and skilled professionals by offering them a valuable opportunity to connect with leading Chinese companies operating in Pakistan. For many Pakistanis, working with Chinese enterprises has become a dream, given China’s unwavering role in strengthening Pakistan’s economy and development. This promising job fair was organized by the newly established China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK), formerly known as the All Pakistan Chinese Enterprises Association (APCEA) in collaboration with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) of Pakistan, with the valuable support of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Islamabad. The event created more than 500 job opportunities, primarily aimed at technical experts, vocational trainees, and fresh graduates.

This event was more than just a meeting point for companies and job seekers but was a celebration of collaboration, skill development and a shared vision shaped by the strategic thinkers of both brotherly nations. With the motto “Bridging Skills: Building Futures,” the job fair marked a new phase in China-Pakistan cooperation, that prioritizes empowering people by providing them with elevated platforms and meaningful opportunities, rather than focusing solely on infrastructure development.

The event was jointly inaugurated by Chinese Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Jiang Zaidong and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Mr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. Their distinguished presence underscored the deep commitment and importance of this event for both governments that how much important for the youth employment and skill development. Capturing the spirit of the occasion, Minister of State for Education Ms. Wajiha Qamar remarked, “Pakistan doesn’t walk alone; China has been walking with us, like a family. We don’t just build roads, we build futures.”

The true significance of the event became evident as a large number of young Pakistanis from diverse backgrounds, including university students, technical trainees, madrassah students and skilled workers actively engaged with the stalls of 20 leading Chinese companies. These included prominent names from the banking sector such as Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Bank of China (BOC) and Pak China Investment Company Limited (PCICL), as well as organizations from the industrial and education sectors. They were present to recruit talent for their ongoing and upcoming projects in Pakistan. I was particularly impressed by the presence of Tang International Education, whose efforts in promoting educational advancement for Pakistanis reflect a strong commitment to human development. Many attendees left with not only job offers but also valuable career guidance and deeper insights into the workings of Chinese enterprises.

I deeply appreciated this event, especially as an eyewitness to the active participation of top leadership and senior management from the participating companies. Notably, the Managing Director of Pak China Investment Company Limited (PCICL) was present, engaging directly with students and encouraging them to apply for roles within the organization. This level of involvement clearly reflected the seriousness and commitment of these companies toward recruiting fresh talent. From what I observed, it was evident that deserving and capable students had a genuine opportunity to be selected for meaningful positions.

Currently, more than 30,000 Pakistani workers are employed by companies affiliated with the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK). This figure is expected to rise significantly as additional Chinese enterprises expand their operations in the country. The focus of both nations is gradually shifting from infrastructure development alone to their most valuable asset “human capital”. By investing in people, China and Pakistan are not merely constructing an economic corridor; they are laying the foundation for a shared and prosperous future.

Looking ahead, this job fair should not remain a one-time event. It has the potential to serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country, reaching other cities and provinces. Its success lies in its simplicity and impact, it bridges the gap between employers and a skilled workforce, strengthens the enduring China-Pakistan partnership and most importantly, brings hope and tangible opportunities to the youth of Pakistan.

It is often said that China and Pakistan are “iron brothers.” This job fair reminded us that this brotherhood is not just forged in concrete and steel, but also in classrooms, workshops and offices, where the future of Pakistan is being shaped one skill at a time.

The Writer is Senior Manager Administration in Pak China Investment Company Limted.

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