China Study Centre, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), hosted a symposium on Centennial goals of China – Learning from the past, Planning for the Future on 29th September 2021.
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The Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China to Pakistan, His Excellency Nong Rong attended the event virtually and congratulated the China Study Centre of CUI for this productive activity. He shared how China has efficiently attained its first centennial goal of eradicating poverty and is now marching its second centennial goal of a prosperous, strong democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious nation by 2049.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tabassum Afzal, Rector COMSATS University Islamabad, in his welcome address specified how Pakistan has continuously followed the strategy of maintaining respectable relationships with China, and its plans on strengthening these ties further. He called for looking at China’s strategic interventions for driving similar economic success in Pakistan. He said that economic gains can be achieved through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor not just by policy reform but also by rethinking the whole social and cultural dimension as well.
Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Head of the CUI China Study Centre, in his keynote address, explained the aim of the symposium and highlighted how Pakistan can learn from the “China Model” and align its strategic direction for a better future. Dr. Awan ensured every possible support of the China Study Centre for collaborative research focused on the two nations.
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The Chief Guest, Dr. Akram Sheikh, Former Federal Minister, and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, highlighted the vital matters Pakistan is facing. He said the learning from China can be enhanced through streamlining an appropriate track for the nation, as only then we can have a prosperous society. He further highlighted the role educational institutions have played in projects for the advancement of Pakistan and proposed the establishment of a China-Pakistan Elder’s Group and CPEC International Forum to provide a Strategic roadmap and guidance to both governments.
The first panel discussion focused on “Learning from the Past” was moderated by Ambassador (Retd.) Naghmana Alamgir Hashmi. The discussants included Ambassador (Retd.) Tariq Fatemi, Ambassador (Retd.) Riaz Muhammad Khan, Mr. Imtiaz Gul, S. M. Hali, and Dr. Talat Shabbir. The focus of the discussion was how China has achieved its first centennial goal and by following the footsteps of China, how Pakistan can become a prosperous nation. The suggestions of the panel included providing purposeful education to youth, follow a modern approach in terms of development, and providing job opportunities.
The second-panel discussion focusing on “Planning for the Future” was aimed at the second centennial goal of China to become one of the strongest economies globally till 2049. The session was moderated by Major General (Retd.) Samrez Salik, HI (M). The panelists included Ambassador (Retd.) Zamir Akram, Dr. Hassan Daud Butt, Brig (Retd.) Amir Yaqub, Mr. Haroon Sharif, and Mr. Mustafa Hyder Sayed. The session concluded that a shift towards a knowledge economy is very important and the secret to success is ensuring that the public good is to practice and perform.
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The symposium organized by the China Study Centre in Islamabad marks the centenary celebrations of the Communist Party of China and to marks the 70th anniversary of Pak-China friendship. China Study Centre, COMSATS University Islamabad is focused on positively achieving long-term success through intellectual discourse between the learned circles of both nations.
