China partners with Pakistan to train new generation in modern agriculture as PM Shehbaz Sharif sends off second batch of students under landmark youth development initiative

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed China’s pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural backbone as he bid farewell to 300 Pakistani students departing for advanced training in China.

The group, the second batch under the Pakistan-China bilateral youth development program, will undergo specialized instruction in livestock management, cotton production, and modern farming techniques. The initiative stems from Prime Minister Shehbaz’s visit to a Chinese university last year, where he observed China’s integration of academic learning with practical application in agriculture.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister said the program reflects “China’s generosity and Pakistan’s determination to revive its agrarian economy.” He reminded the students that agriculture remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic revival. “We are an agrarian economy, and agriculture is our backbone. These young men and women are ambassadors of Pakistan in China, and their discipline, learning, and conduct will shape the country’s future,” he said.

PM Shehbaz Sharif lamented the decline in Pakistan’s cotton production from 14 million to 4 million bales and emphasized the untapped potential in livestock development. He urged the students to return as agents of change and reaffirmed that merit, discipline, and honesty are the pathways to building the Pakistan envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam.

Expressing gratitude to President Xi Jinping and China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, the Prime Minister said the program exemplifies the depth of Pakistan-China ties. He also lauded Ambassador Khalil Hashmi for his role in coordinating the initiative.

Ambassador Zaidong, in his remarks, said the youth program aligns with President Xi’s vision of fostering human development and sustainable growth. “Students studying in China have greatly benefited from modern agricultural practices. This initiative demonstrates China’s commitment to Pakistan’s progress,” he said.

The envoy also handed over a cheque for flood relief assistance from Beijing, a gesture warmly received by the Prime Minister, who called it another example of China’s unwavering friendship.

Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan’s envoy to Beijing, was presented with a memento for his contributions to the program, alongside Ambassador Zaidong.

The youth training initiative represents a growing chapter in the China-Pakistan partnership, linking academic development with economic revival and reflecting the two nations’ shared vision of prosperity through cooperation.