Pakistan and China are moving closer to high-tech collaboration, as Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja met with a high-profile Chinese delegation during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. The meeting laid the groundwork for strategic cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital governance, and medical innovation.

Among the key proposals was the launch of an AI skills exchange program aimed at equipping Pakistani youth with next-gen capabilities. The Chinese delegation also showed keen interest in supporting Pakistani startups in health tech, edtech, and fintech, alongside offering smart city solutions and digital public infrastructure tools in partnership with the National IT Board.

One notable area of discussion involved the application of AI in medicine. Chinese experts proposed joint research initiatives using AI-powered platforms to advance traditional Chinese medicine in treating chronic and neurological conditions. Demonstrations of smart maintenance tools and AI-driven diagnostic systems were also proposed for local rollout.

Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja welcomed the suggestions, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to embracing technological transformation. She emphasized the government’s support for meaningful cross-border innovation that accelerates inclusive development and strengthens the digital economy.

The visiting delegation included senior figures from China’s high-tech and medical innovation sectors, including Cheng Dong of the Shanghai Zhangjiang Medical Innovation Research Institute, Liu Yuangui of Shenlan Technology, and medical researchers Professor Zhao Shanting and Dr. He Bin, all of whom echoed their support for long-term collaboration with Pakistan.