ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Friday marked a new milestone in academic cooperation with the inauguration of the Pakistan Study Centre at Shandong University, aimed at strengthening research collaboration, policy dialogue and student exchanges, particularly in agriculture and fisheries.
The center was inaugurated by Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi alongside Shandong University Executive Vice President Wu Zhen, according to an official statement issued by Islamabad’s diplomatic mission in Beijing.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Hashmi thanked the university leadership for backing the initiative, saying it reflected the growing depth of Pakistan-China cooperation in higher education and research.
“Ambassador Hashmi thanked the university leadership for their strong support in realizing this initiative,” the embassy said in its statement.
Highlighting the broader bilateral context, Hashmi noted the increasing momentum in Pakistan-China relations, with education and research emerging as key pillars of engagement.
He described Shandong University, internationally recognized for innovation in agriculture and fisheries, as an ideal host for the center.
“He emphasized the importance of academic platforms in building long-term people-to-people linkages,” the statement added.
The Pakistan Study Centre is intended to function as a hub for Pakistan-focused studies, joint research projects, business-to-business engagement, and enhanced student interaction between the two countries.
Ahead of the inauguration, Ambassador Hashmi and Vice President Wu Zhen held discussions on leveraging the center for mutually beneficial academic and research initiatives, with a particular focus on agriculture and fisheries.
As part of his visit, Hashmi was also given a tour of the Shandong University Museum, the embassy said.
The establishment of the center underscores Islamabad and Beijing’s efforts to institutionalize academic collaboration as a foundation for sustained bilateral engagement.
