Islamabad: The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) and Xinjiang University have taken a major step toward strengthening academic and research collaboration by holding a Symposium and MoU Signing Ceremony at Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China. The event marks a significant milestone in promoting institutional cooperation, research partnerships, and people-to-people linkages between Pakistan and China under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The symposium was chaired by Dr. Liu Zhengjiang, Vice President of Xinjiang University, who also served as the Master of Ceremony. The session began with an introduction of attendees, followed by a documentary highlighting Xinjiang University's academic achievements and global outreach. Dr. Ma Xinbin, President of Xinjiang University, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the historic friendship between Pakistan and China and reaffirming both institutions' commitment to advancing cooperation in research, education, and cultural exchange.
In his address, Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor of PIDE, underscored the pivotal role of academic collaboration in promoting regional economic integration, innovation, and sustainable development. He noted that partnerships like the one between PIDE and Xinjiang University are crucial for generating research-based policy insights aligned with the broader vision of CPEC and the BRI.
Both sides held detailed discussions on future cooperation, exploring avenues for joint research, faculty and student exchanges, capacity-building programs, and policy dialogue on regional economic development. The ceremony concluded with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), symbolizing the shared commitment to foster academic exchange, collaborative research, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. A group photograph captured the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two academic communities.
Key participants from PIDE included Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor PIDE and Member, Planning Commission of Pakistan, and Dr. Muhammad Muzammil Zia, Executive Director (CPEC). From Xinjiang University, attendees included Dr. Ma Xinbin, President; Dr. Liu Zhengjiang, Vice President; Naikereman·Yibulayin, Director of International Cooperation and Exchanges; Dr. Li Pu, Dean, School of International Cultural Exchange; Dr. Zeng Yan, Vice Dean, School of Economics and Management; Dr. Xu Jun, Associate Professor, School of Economics and Management; and Dr. Ma Lijuan, Associate Professor, School of Foreign Languages and Interpretation.
Also present was Mr. Liu Lei, Board Member of the Xinjiang Diplomacy Association, who expressed the association's continued support for academic initiatives connecting scholars, researchers, and policymakers from both countries.
This collaboration between PIDE and Xinjiang University is expected to pave the way for future cooperation in joint academic programs, research publications, and policy dialogue, representing a significant step forward in advancing academic diplomacy and deepening Pakistan-China relations through shared knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development.