China–Pakistan Partnership Brings Modern SME Training Hub to Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Pakistan and China have taken another meaningful step toward strengthening vocational education ties with the inauguration of two major training initiatives in Peshawar, aimed at preparing young Pakistanis for the modern business world.

The Gansu Finance and Trade Vocational College–Overseas Training Base and the SME Entrepreneurship and Management Pakistan Training Center were officially launched at the Government Advance Technical Training Centre (GATTC), according to China Economic Net.

New Center to Equip Youth with Future-Ready Skills

Located in the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the newly inaugurated facility is designed to bridge the gap between education and industry. The center will focus on developing practical, market-oriented skills, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) management, entrepreneurship, and digital business.

A key advantage of the program is that Pakistani students can now gain advanced business and digital skills without traveling abroad, making quality vocational education more accessible at the local level.

China–Pakistan Collaboration in Education

Around 50 representatives, including officials from partner institutions, government departments, and student bodies, attended the inauguration ceremony. Speakers emphasized that the initiative would help align technical education with real-world economic demands, especially as Pakistan’s digital economy continues to grow.

The training curriculum and hands-on modules have been jointly developed by Chinese and Pakistani experts, ensuring international standards while remaining relevant to local market needs.

Focus on Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship

The program will cover critical areas such as modern business management, startup development, e-commerce, and digital entrepreneurship. In addition to student training, the center will also function as a platform for teacher exchanges, resource sharing, and specialized skill development programs.

Part of a Broader Cooperation Framework

The inauguration fulfills commitments made under a quadrilateral cooperation agreement signed in July, involving Gansu Finance and Trade Vocational College, KP TEVTA, GATTC Peshawar, and Mera PC Pvt Limited.

This initiative reflects the expanding scope of China–Pakistan cooperation beyond infrastructure, extending into education, skills development, and economic empowerment.