Pakistan and China Sign MoU to Boost Cooperation in Quantum Technologies
Pakistan and China have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the field of quantum technologies, marking a new phase of bilateral cooperation under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
The agreement, signed earlier this month in Islamabad, will see China assist Pakistan in establishing its National Center for Quantum Computing, a major step toward advancing Pakistan’s digital and scientific capabilities. The move aligns with CPEC Phase-II, which emphasizes industrial modernization, digital transformation, and technology transfer.
Expanding the Horizon of CPEC Cooperation
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said the initiative would open a new chapter in Pakistan-China scientific relations, expanding cooperation beyond infrastructure into frontier technologies.
“Quantum technology represents the future, and cooperation with China in this domain will be a game changer for Pakistan,” Iqbal stated. “This partnership reflects the strategic evolution of CPEC from roads and power plants to research, innovation, and knowledge creation.”
The MoU was signed between the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) a major Chinese state-owned technology conglomerate, and Pakistan’s Emerging Technologies Lab, a PSDP-funded initiative under the Ministry of Planning. The collaboration covers joint research, expert exchanges, and skills development in quantum computing and related fields.
Laying the Foundation for a Quantum Future
Under the agreement, Chinese experts will support Pakistan in developing quantum research infrastructure, training programs, and pilot projects focused on data encryption, secure communication, and next-generation computing applications.
The establishment of the National Center for Quantum Computing is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s academic and industrial ecosystem, enabling partnerships between universities, research institutions, and private enterprises.
Minister Iqbal highlighted that the cooperation is part of Pakistan’s broader ‘Uraan Pakistan’ initiative, aimed at preparing the workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution by promoting innovation and technological literacy.
“Investments in emerging technologies are the key to joining the ranks of developed nations,” he said. “We are launching the Quantum Valley Project, which will serve as Pakistan’s own Silicon Valley, a hub for innovation, technology, and knowledge-based growth.”
Strategic and Scientific Milestone
Both sides reaffirmed that scientific and technological collaboration remains a cornerstone of CPEC Phase-II, which seeks to transition Pakistan’s economy from traditional industries to high-tech development.
Observers view the quantum technology partnership as part of a broader trend of deepening China–Pakistan cooperation in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, positioning Pakistan as a regional player in advanced technology ecosystems.
