Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi. [Photo/WeChat account: tj_swb]

On his fifth visit to Tianjin, Pakistani Ambassador Khalil Hashmi praised the city's dynamic evolution and strategic importance. 

"Tianjin is a city where you can feel the pulse of China's future," he said, noting its blend of cultural heritage and rapid development.

During his visit, Hashmi toured local universities including Tianjin University and Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, talking with students and members of the faculty.

He highlighted the presence of over 250 Pakistani students and called for deeper collaboration in emerging fields like AI and the internet of things. Traditional Chinese medicine also stood out as a promising area for joint research and training.

Hashmi emphasized the role of education in driving technological progress and economic growth. He voiced support for upgrading Pakistan's Luban Workshop (an international vocational education project) to include more specialized programs, fostering talent and innovation.

In trade and technology, Tianjin's smart port and green energy initiatives impressed the ambassador. He proposed knowledge-sharing between Tianjin and Karachi to enhance port automation and sustainability. He also identified new energy sectors — such as new energy vehicles and solar power — as fertile ground for bilateral cooperation.

Cultural exchange was another highlight. Hashmi advocated for culinary diplomacy, suggesting events like the Mango Festival to bring Pakistani flavors to Tianjin.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Hashmi expressed his optimism for deeper regional collaboration. "Pakistan is proud to be a committed SCO member," he said, "and we look forward to building peace and prosperity together."