"The importance of ecology and green development to Pakistan cannot be overemphasized," said Prof. Abid Ali, from Shenyang Normal University while talking to China Economic Net (CEN). A remarkable chapter in China-Pakistan academic and research cooperation has been written by the Pakistani scientist and educator, who has dedicated over a decade to building bridges between the two nations.

Dr. Abid Ali, currently serving as Professor and International Coordinator at the College of Life Sciences, Shenyang Normal University (SYNU), is a leading a historic initiative that will bring 20 Pakistani students, from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Women University Multan (WUM), and Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) Multan, to China for a fully funded three-month Summer Training Camp on Ecology and Green Development, scheduled from September 16 to December 14, 2025.

This milestone is the latest achievement in Prof Ali’s journey, which began with his PhD at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) in 2010. Since then, he has served in various academic, research and leadership roles in both China and Pakistan, most notably as Tenured Associate Professor at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) from March 2016.

He played a pivotal role in establishing three Joint Research Laboratories between Pakistan and China, with a focus on Ecosystem Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation, Plant Protection, and Agricultural Sustainability. He was also the driving force behind the first-ever Online Chinese Language Program between Shenyang Normal University (SYNU) and Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan and serving as focal person.

Success of language program is the key in bridging the green development and ecosystem sustainability in BRI countries. The program is fully funded by the Government of China and aims to build capacity in ecology, environmental conservation, and green development-key areas for Pakistan’s sustainable future. "This is the result of years of trust, hard work, and collaboration.

The credit goes to Chinese institutions that shaped me, my Pakistani and Chinese colleagues who supported me, and the students who believed in this vision.  And this training is only possible because of the great support offered by leadership of Shenyang Normal University particularly the Dean-College of Life Science and Office International Exchange and Cooperation.

This is one of the most historic cooperative efforts between our universities, and I am proud to be part of it," said Prof Ali. The training will include lectures, fieldwork, lab-based learning, and cultural exchange, offering participants a comprehensive and immersive experience. This initiative underscores the deepening ties between China and Pakistan in the fields of education, research, and sustainable development, and serves as a model for future academic collaborations.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China