Workshop on Understanding China's Governance & Development Model at University of the Punjab, Lahorewas held on February2th, 2023. The workshop was jointly organized by Regional Integration Centre, University of the Punjab, Lahore and Pakistan Research Centre for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan.
The first session was on China’s Governance System and Development Model: Prospects for cooperation with Pakistan. It was commenced by Ms. Zainab Sohail, PRCCSF Fellow. Panellists and experts from China and Pakistaninstitutes participated in the workshop.
Dr. Fouzia Hadi Ali, Directorof Regional Integration Centre, Lahore, delivered the opening remark. She welcomed the guests and participants for joining the workshop. She advocated build relations with China as neighbours and suggested following China’s development model.
Dr. Iram Khalid, Chairperson, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore, expressed her views on familiarizing the world with the grand narrative of Community with a Shared Futureconcept. She pointed out that China is connecting the whole world, strengthening common development and future cooperation.
Prof. Li Huailiang, Dean, Institute for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China,China, deliveredan opening remark online.He outlined opportunities and challenges coexist in the process of China-Pakistan cooperation and suggested an all-round development of China-Pakistan relation will further strengthen building a closer community with a shared future. He recommendedthat conferences like this are eminent for strengthening Pakistan-China academic and bilateral ties.
Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar, Former Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore, expressed his thoughts on Pak-China Relations. He said that China is a blessing to all of us. He suggested toestablish a study centre at different universities.
Dr. Mahboob Hussain, Chairman, Department of History & Pakistan Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, expressed his views on the significance of BRI in regional connectivity. He suggested key points to build more development linkages among regional countries.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Centre for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) expressed his views on China's grand Alleviation Plan and sustainable development in China. He said that the fight against poverty is a successful exercise in the modernization of China’s system and capacity for governance.
The second session was on China’s Socio-economic policies under new initiatives.
Mr. Ehsan Choudhry, Senior Vice President, Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry discussed trade potential & Pakistan-China Cooperation under new projects. He said China has done tremendous work by eradicating poverty.
Ms. Laraib Fatima Hassan, Member Board of Experts, PRCCSF presented her analysis of China's governance system, development model, and lessons for Pakistan. She discussed China's initiatives to ensure accountability at all level and to eradicate poverty. She further highlighted specific programs that can be implemented in Pakistan to address poverty.
Dr. Li Han from Communication University of China, China, shared her analysis of China’s increasing role in UN peacekeeping missions and conflict resolution. China has always respected the United Nations for global peace and stability.
Dr. Muhammad Shareh Qazi, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore discussed Global Development Initiative, New Goals for Peace & Prosperity. He presented showing trade, and investment flourishing between Pakistan and China. He also stressed that China is playing a key role in decreasing gap barriers.
Dr. Qudsia Akram, Professor, Department of History and Political Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, expressed her thoughts on the impediments in Trade Connectivity through OBOR within and the way forward. She recognized that the China is well facilitating in reforms and working on large-scale infrastructure projects.
Dr. Rukhsar Iftikhar, Professor, Department of History and Political Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, expressed her view on Understanding Pak-China Friendship through historical lens and building blocks for future cooperation.
Mr. Noor Ullah, Senior Manager Marketing, Jang Group discussed the Prospects of the Media Relationship between Pakistan and China. He expressed that the media can play an important role in connecting people-people contacts, academic collaboration, and opportunities.
Prof. Zhao Bo, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee, School of Marxism, Communication University of China, China, shared her analysis on CPC 100 years of excellence governanceand stressed that a China Model is an alternative to the world proven successful and consistent by the CPC governance.
Khushbu Ejaz, Department of International Relations, Kinnard College, Lahore presented her analysis on China's COVID-19 Pandemic Diplomacy.