ISLAMABAD (DAWN) Pakistan and China have agreed to further enhance their cooperation in the field of vocational training.

During his recent visit to China, the federal minister for labor, manpower and overseas Pakistanis held talks with his Chinese counterpart, the minister for labor and social security, Tian Chengping, and exchanged views for increasing bilateral cooperation, especially in the field of technical and vocational training.

A joint working group has also been constituted for drawing an action plan and specifying modalities for this, a spokesman of the labor ministry said.

Both countries have designated senior officials of their respective ministries, for working on the project, the spokesman added.

From Pakistan, the officials include: senior joint secretary Ijaz Mohiuddin chairman policy planning cell, Dr Sabur Ghayur from the labor, manpower and overseas Pakistanis. From China, the officials nominated are: director general training and employment, Yu Faming and director general international cooperation China, Zhang Yali.

Commenting on the agreement, Ghulam Sarwar Khan underlined the importance of cooperation between the two countries. He said Chinese assistance and cooperation for technical education and establishment of polytechnic institutes in Pakistan is of great significance.

He said his Chinese counterpart had assured him of full cooperation. He said he had also invited the Chinese labor minister to visit Pakistan.

Pakistan and China had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on vocational training in February, 2006, according to which they will enhance cooperation in vocational training and exchange professionals in this field.