China to Train 300,000 Pakistani Youths in Digital Skills Every Year
China will provide digital skills training to 300,000 Pakistani youths every year under a new initiative announced by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal. He made the announcement while addressing the 3rd LCCI IT Freelancing Awards 2026, organized by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lahore.
The initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s technology sector and accelerate the growth of the country’s digital economy. Moreover, it will equip young people with modern skills that match the demands of the global job market and create new employment opportunities.
China to Strengthen Pakistan’s Digital Workforce
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan has become the world’s fourth-largest freelancing country. He credited young freelancers for increasing digital exports and earning valuable foreign exchange for the country. Furthermore, he said today’s economy rewards knowledge, innovation and technology rather than large offices or heavy investments.
He explained that skilled professionals can now compete globally with the right training and internet access. Therefore, the annual training programme will prepare thousands of young Pakistanis for high-paying digital careers. He added that stronger technical skills will improve productivity, increase exports and help Pakistan expand its presence in international technology markets. The minister also said investment in human capital remains essential for sustainable economic growth and long-term national development.
AI and Freelancing to Drive Future Growth
Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Faheemur Rehman Saigol urged freelancers and IT professionals to embrace artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. He said cooperation between the government and private sector can transform Pakistan into a regional digital economy hub under the Uraan Pakistan vision. Meanwhile, Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman described freelancing as a key pillar of Pakistan’s digital economy.
He said freelancers contribute millions of dollars in foreign exchange every year. In addition, he said the Punjab government is working with the federal government and the Special Investment Facilitation Council to resolve international payment challenges faced by freelancers. The province is also investing in digital infrastructure, technology parks, IT zones, innovation hubs and AI initiatives. As a result, Punjab aims to produce skilled freelancers, AI developers, startup founders and future global technology leaders while strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy.
