Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja held a strategic meeting with a high-level Chinese delegation on the sidelines of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. The engagement centered on exploring mutual opportunities in artificial intelligence-driven innovation, with a focus on skill development, smart city integration, and healthcare technology.
The talks underscored plans to initiate an AI skills exchange program tailored for Pakistani youth. This initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s talent pipeline by creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and upskilling in collaboration with China’s advanced AI ecosystem. The proposal also includes engaging the National IT Board in developing and implementing digital governance tools, particularly to streamline public service delivery and support data-driven administration.
The Chinese representatives expressed keen interest in working with Pakistani startups in emerging areas such as health tech, edtech, and fintech. These potential partnerships would aim to co-develop AI-based platforms and applications for both domestic and regional markets. In particular, Chinese innovation leaders shared their vision of introducing smart maintenance machinery and AI-powered systems in Pakistan to boost industrial productivity and operational efficiency.
Health technology formed a major part of the dialogue, with Chinese institutions presenting their ongoing research in AI-based diagnostics and treatments. Emphasis was placed on collaborative research into chronic illnesses and neurological diseases, particularly through the application of AI-powered traditional Chinese medicine. The goal is to expand joint R&D and clinical innovation between Chinese medical institutes and Pakistani health researchers.
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja welcomed the proposed partnerships, highlighting the strategic value of harnessing advanced technologies to drive socio-economic development. She reiterated MOITT’s full support in facilitating such cross-border collaborations, particularly those that enhance digital infrastructure, promote inclusive innovation, and offer scalable solutions for Pakistan’s evolving tech landscape.
The visiting delegation included Cheng Dong, Member of the Standing Committee of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and Executive Vice President of Shanghai Zhangjiang High-tech City Medical Innovation Research Institute; Liu Yuangui, Vice President of Shenlan Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; Professor Zhao Shanting, a German-trained medical doctor and doctoral supervisor; and Dr. He Bin, a German PhD and assistant to Prof. Zhao. Their presence reflected a strong institutional interest in building sustainable partnerships with Pakistan’s public and private sector stakeholders across multiple tech domains.
This meeting aligns with Pakistan’s broader digital transformation agenda, under which the government aims to expand international cooperation in next-generation technologies, create employment opportunities through digital skills, and position the country as an innovation-friendly environment for tech investment.
