Mutual Recognition Deal Boosts Engineering Careers
In a landmark step toward enhanced bilateral cooperation, Pakistan and China have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on professional engineering qualifications. The agreement, executed between the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and the Chinese Society of Engineers (CSE), is poised to facilitate international workforce mobility, expand service-based exports, and deepen engagement in high-technology sectors, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The newly signed MRA allows engineers from both countries to obtain provisional licenses without the need for additional examinations, provided they hold a recognised four-year engineering degree and are registered with their respective national engineering councils. This provision significantly streamlines the licensure process and unlocks employment opportunities across borders, particularly in sectors demanding high engineering expertise.
Engr Waseem Nazir, Chairperson of PEC, hailed the development as a strong endorsement of Pakistan’s engineering talent. He highlighted the agreement’s potential to empower young professionals, increase foreign remittances through international placements, and elevate Pakistan’s influence in the engineering domain among BRI nations.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
The signing ceremony witnessed key representation from both sides, including PEC Secretary Dr Nasir Mahmood Khan, CSE President Wan Gang, Deputy Secretary-General Zhang Bin, and Gong Ke, the former President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO). Their involvement underscored the strategic significance both nations attach to professional engineering cooperation.
The agreement ensures that Pakistani engineers can now contribute to major Chinese projects in infrastructure, energy, ICT, and smart cities, provided they comply with local regulations and ethical standards. Likewise, Chinese engineers will have reciprocal access to the Pakistani market. To manage implementation, a joint PEC-CSE working group will oversee credential verification, facilitate exchange programmes, and conduct regular assessments to maintain compliance and uphold quality.
The MRA is expected to benefit thousands of Pakistani engineers, paving the way for international credentials and participation in high-value global ventures. Officials foresee a notable boost in foreign remittances and increased service exports, contributing positively to Pakistan’s external economy.
Beyond financial gains, the agreement signals that Pakistan’s engineering education and professional systems align with international benchmarks. As a pillar of CPEC and broader BRI cooperation, the MRA also promotes people-to-people ties, knowledge sharing, and long-term human capital development, marking a significant advancement in the country’s diplomatic and economic agenda.