A high-level diplomatic mission from Peoples Republic of China headed by Dr Baige Zhao, Deputy Foreign Minister and Wang Weiguang, President Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, visited UMT where they were given briefing on recently established CPEC Business Research Center and other university activities related to the mega project. Rector UMT Dr Muhammad Aslam and Director CPEC Center Dr Haroon Rasheed greeted the delegation, introduced the University and its ongoing projects regarding CPEC. Expressing his views, the Rector said that after CPEC, relationship between China and Pakistan has entered into new era. He appreciated the Chinese Government for taking interest in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy. Dr Aslam said that a number of activities like instruction of Chinese language, research and training of the faculty and interaction with Chinese universities were being carried out to prepare educational institutions of both the countries for CPEC project.
Speaking on the occasion, Weiguang said that they were visiting Pakistani universities as per instructions of the Central Government that wanted them to engage in talks with university officials to do research on CPEC and build public opinion. Dr Baige said CPEC was a huge project that would change the fate of both the nations. He said that people of China and Pakistan would greatly benefit from the project; especially young entrepreneurs and engineers studying at universities would have ample opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills for CPEC. She appreciated UMT Management for raising awareness regarding CPEC and setting up Business Research Centre at the varsity.
The delegation assured that the Chinese Government would collaborate with UMT regarding joint research on CPEC and how job and business opportunities could be created for students. They also discussed various ways of engaging business community of both the countries to create synergies regarding CPEC operations. Later on, the delegation exchanged information regarding various aspects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its futuristic scope in the region. Replying to a query whether the changing of governments in Pakistan would affect the CPEC project, Dr. Baige Zhao said that changing of government in Pakistan was not a problem at all that could affect CPEC as the project aimed at uniting people of both the countries who were the real stakeholders.
Other members in the delegation included Wang Lei, Director General, International Cooperation Department of CASS, Du Genqi, Consul, and Chinese Consulate in Lahore, Zang Yang, Associate Professor, Dalian Maritime University and others.
Earlier, flag hoisting ceremony took place in the varsity where flags of both the countries were hoisted by respective officials. In the end, the Rector gave away souvenirs and gifts to the distinguished guests.