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Express Tribune
01-08-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan launches new satellite from China
China on Thursday successfully launched Pakistan's Remote Sensing Satellite-1 (PRSS-1) aboard a Kuaizhou-1A (KZ-1A) carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, located in Sichuan Province. The satellite was launched at 10:00am (Beijing Time) on Thursday. It entered its preset orbit successfully. The mission marked the 29th flight of the Kuaizhou-1A model, China Economic Net reported. PRSS-1, China's first optical remote sensing satellite sold to Pakistan, will be used for land and resources surveying and monitoring of natural disasters. The launch marks a major milestone in the country's space journey and strengthens its position in Earth observation capabilities. The project is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), and MICROSAT China, said a news release on Thursday. Prime Minister Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday congratulated SUPARCO and the entire team of scientists and engineers on the successful launch of Pakistan's advanced remote sensing satellite, terming it a landmark achievement for the country and a shining example of Pak-China cooperation in the space domain. In a message posted on his official X account, the Prime Minister wrote: "Heartfelt congratulations to SUPARCO & the entire team on the successful launch of Pakistan's advanced remote sensing satellite. This achievement showcases the soaring heights of Pakistan-China cooperation, extending beyond borders and into outer space, driven by a shared vision to harness space technology for the betterment of humanity." The prime minister noted that it would play a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of CPEC and offer wide-ranging applications in agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, mapping of transportation networks, and data acquisition across diverse environments. "This is not just a technological advancement but a step forward in ensuring sustainable development and improved planning mechanisms across various sectors in Pakistan," he said. Foreign Office Pakistan said that the successful launch of its Remote Sensing Satellite has reaffirmed its position among the community of space-faring nations, leveraging innovation to pursue a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous future. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar commended the dedication of the engineers, scientists, and technical teams from SUPARCO Pakistan and CETC & MICROSAT China for their exemplary cooperation and unwavering commitment to the mission.
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Rice exports to China surge 84% in first half
Pakistan's rice exports to China have exhibited significant growth during the first six months of 2025, marking an encouraging development under the framework of China's economic policies aimed at enhancing trade relationships and diversifying supply chains. According to recent data from the China General Administration of Customs, Pakistan's shipments of semi-wholly milled rice (commodity code 10063020) to China soared to $29.53 million, with the volume reaching 66,960,601 kilogrammes in the January-June period. This marks a remarkable increase compared to the same period of last year, when exports were valued at $5.23 million. Pakistan Embassy Trade and Investment Counsellor in Beijing Ghulam Qadir told the China Economic Net that total rice exports from Pakistan to China for the first half of 2025, including both premium and broken rice, reached approximately $35.93 million. In comparison, exports during the same period in 2024 were valued at $19.53 million, signifying a growth of more than $16.40 million, or an impressive 84% increase. Broken rice, notably Irri-6 (commodity code 10064020), crossed $4.52 million in export value with a quantity of around 13,377,000 kilograms. Additionally, a specific category of broken rice, with rice length less than 6mm and L-W ratio less than 2 (commodity code 10064080), exceeded $1.87 million in exports during the period under review. Ghulam Qadir said that the boost in rice exports aligns with China's broader policies to diversify import sources and stabilise its food security strategy. Pakistan's consistent increase in rice exports not only reflects its expanding role as a key supplier but also underscores the potential for deeper economic integration between the two nations. As bilateral trade continues to flourish, Pakistani rice producers are optimistic about further market expansion, supported by ongoing improvements in trade policies, quality standards, and diplomatic ties. This trend promises beneficial economic implications for Pakistan's agriculture sector and enhances its stature as a reliable rice exporter to China. This article originally appeared on the China Economic Net
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Women-focused skill programmes launched
Listen to article In a transformative effort to reshape the technical and vocational education landscape, Pakistan's National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) has launched multiple initiatives inspired by China's successful models. These programmes are not only equipping youth with market-relevant skills but are also empowering women in traditionally male-dominated trades, said Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Chairperson of NAVTTC. In an interview with the China Economic Net, Gulmina Bilal Ahmad emphasised the need for empowering youth – especially women – through inclusive, research-based and sustainable skill development initiatives. "Traditionally male-dominated trades like plumbing, mobile repair, carpentry and electrical works are now part of our women-only training programmes," the chairperson revealed. "Last year, we launched this as a pilot initiative under the prime minister's special directive and it is now a regular feature in NAVTTC's programming." She noted that hi-tech IT training and several other modern skilling programmes had been modelled after successful practices in China. "We studied the Chinese system, adopted their model and asked ourselves: how can we apply this to Pakistan's unique needs?" Responding to a question on funding and long-term sustainability, the chairperson clarified: "The main challenge is not a lack of resources, but rather efficient and strategic use of those resources. We are committed to making data-driven decisions based on district-level needs and labour market demands." NAVTTC has developed an online platform, which provides real-time data on training institutions across the country. "From Sanghar to Dalbandin, you can now see how many co-education institutes exist in a district, what their teacher qualifications are and whether they are operating at full capacity," she explained. The chairperson credited the prime minister's personal interest in the success of Pakistan's skilling agenda as a driving force behind its effectiveness and nationwide reach. "His vision is to ensure maximum impact, functionality and long-term relevance." When asked about future cooperation with China, she concluded: "China is more than a partner; it is a brother who generously shares its development experience with us. The responsibility now lies with us to localise those models and implement them with purpose." It is worth noting that Gulmina Ahmad is currently in China at the invitation of Tang International Education Group, where she recently attended a ceremony for eight Pakistani female students, who completed technical and vocational training. Additionally, a new batch of 16 female students has been enrolled.
Arab News
18-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistani companies showcase precious gemstones, minerals at international expo in China
ISLAMABAD: Around 10 Pakistani gems and minerals companies are showcasing their specimens at the ongoing China Nanjing (International) Mineral, Gemstone & Fossil Expo to prospective buyers, state-run media reported this week. The third edition of the expo, which is being held from May 15-19 in the Chinese city of Nanjing, has attracted over 500 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in a report on Saturday. Various companies from around the world have displayed minerals, gemstones, fossils, and meteorites at the exhibition. 'Pakistani exhibitors are presenting a dazzling array of emeralds, tourmalines, topaz, morganite, quartz, aquamarine, pyrite, marble and onyx specimens from regions such as Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,' APP reported. It cited a report from Chinese business news website China Economic Net as saying that Pakistani specimens have attracted 'significant interest' from international buyers and collectors at the expo. Pakistan has significant gemstone reserves, particularly in its northern and northwestern regions, which include a variety of high-quality stones such as peridot, aquamarine, topaz, ruby, and emerald. There are 18 types of gemstones in Pakistan for which 178 major mining licenses have been issued. 'Pakistan possesses extraordinary geological treasures, and our trade ties with China are expanding beyond gemstones to industrial minerals,' Ghulam Mustafa, an exhibitor representing the Fine Art Minerals company, told APP. 'The response to our display has been phenomenal. Visitors are truly impressed by Pakistan's natural wealth,' he added. Muhammad Sadiq from Fine Nagar Gems and Minerals company returned to this year's exhibition with a larger collection of specimens. 'Last year feedback was incredibly positive and we are very optimistic about this year sales and orders,' Sadiq said. Pakistan hosted an international minerals summit in Islamabad last month. The summit aimed to attract foreign investment in the country's mining sector, seeing participation from major international companies including Canada-based Barrick Gold and government officials from the United States, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkiye, the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan and other nations. Islamabad hopes it can export its precious gemstones and minerals as it eyes sustainable economic growth driven largely by exports.
Express Tribune
25-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan gears up for key role at Boao Forum
Listen to article Pakistan is poised to play a significant role at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) 2025, a crucial platform shaping the continent's economic landscape amid global uncertainties. With high-level participation from Pakistan's finance ministry, the Ministry of Commerce and the diplomatic corps, the country aims to contribute to discussions on regional cooperation, trade and economic growth, according to Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi. He emphasised the pivotal role of the Boao Forum for Asia as a cornerstone for enhancing the continent's economic ambitions and tackling global challenges. In an interview with China Economic Net, Hashmi described the forum as a "critical platform to articulate Asia's strengths and shape the international economic order."
