May 29, 2026 - Shayan Ali Siddiqui, an MBA student at Beijing Normal University (BNU) in China, has participated in lectures delivered by internationally recognized professors and former government leaders from countries including Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Poland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The academic program focused on finance, economics, and management studies while also introducing students to leadership development, China’s economic transformation, and Chinese language and culture. According to Siddiqui, the educational experience at BNU provided exposure to diverse academic perspectives and practical learning opportunities under the guidance of experienced scholars and educators.
Before arriving in China, Siddiqui expressed concerns regarding the availability of halal food and access to mosques for Muslim students. However, halal food was found to be available at university canteens and restaurants in several locations. Mosques were also reported to be operational and accessible. Siddiqui stated that the environment experienced in China differed from certain international narratives regarding religious practices in the country. In addition to academic activities, international students participated in sports and recreational programs, including football and other group activities, which helped encourage interaction between local Chinese students and international students from different countries.
China has continued to experience rapid growth in infrastructure development and economic activity across multiple regions. According to publicly available economic reports, the country has lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty and eliminated extreme poverty nationwide. China’s macro-fiscal redistribution policies have also supported balanced development between advanced urban regions and less-developed areas. Observers believe that similar development-focused policies could contribute positively toward poverty reduction and infrastructure improvement in underdeveloped regions of Pakistan.
China and Pakistan share a longstanding diplomatic relationship, and 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Bilateral cooperation expanded significantly following the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2013. The initiative contributed to infrastructure development, transportation connectivity, and economic activity in Pakistan. CPEC also serves as a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which promotes international infrastructure and economic cooperation. Analysts have noted that the initiative has supported regional connectivity and cultural exchange while encouraging development partnerships between participating countries. Financial assistance provided through several BRI projects has primarily focused on infrastructure development and long-term economic cooperation.
Chinese investment projects also contributed toward addressing Pakistan’s energy shortages through the construction and rapid deployment of power generation infrastructure. The next phase of cooperation is expected to focus on renewable energy projects, environmentally sustainable power generation, and improvements to Pakistan’s electricity transmission infrastructure. Energy sector experts have emphasized the importance of modernizing transmission systems to support long-term industrial and economic growth.
Professionals working within the energy sector have frequently identified China as a leading contributor to global renewable energy development. China’s advancements in renewable technologies, including solar and wind energy systems, have contributed toward international efforts supporting green energy transition and sustainable development goals in multiple countries.
Industry experts previously observed that global companies faced challenges related to the high production costs and efficiency limitations of renewable energy equipment such as solar panels and wind turbines. However, China emerged as a major manufacturing hub by improving technological efficiency and reducing production costs through industrial competition and substantial investment in research and development. Analysts believe these factors have strengthened China’s global competitiveness across renewable energy and manufacturing sectors. Experts further suggest that technological cooperation between China and Pakistan could support energy access improvements in underdeveloped regions such as Balochistan while creating employment opportunities for local communities.
China’s industrial sector has continued expanding rapidly across fields including information technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, new energy vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor production. Economic observers have highlighted the potential importance of bilateral cooperation in energy development, rare earth mineral processing, and advanced industrial sectors. Collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese enterprises in these industries may create long-term economic opportunities for both countries. China’s industrial and agricultural sectors have also developed complementary economic links, while Pakistan remains an agricultural economy with significant fertile land resources. Experts believe that cooperation in agricultural technology and productivity enhancement may contribute to mutually beneficial outcomes for both nations.
Editor's Note: This article was written by Shayan Ali Siddiqui from Pakistan, currently studying at the Belt and Road School at Beijing Normal University. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Belt and Road Portal or Beijing Normal University.
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