China and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s science body COMSTECH have held discussions in Islamabad aimed at expanding collaboration in science, technology and health research among OIC member states. The meeting brought together senior representatives from COMSTECH and the Chinese Embassy to review ongoing academic and scientific initiatives while exploring opportunities for deeper institutional partnerships. Officials said the discussions focused on strengthening research cooperation, expanding training programmes and creating new platforms for knowledge exchange among universities and research institutions across the Islamic world.
During the meeting COMSTECH Coordinator General Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary met with Xu Hangtian, minister counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, to examine existing cooperation projects and assess potential new initiatives. Both sides reviewed programmes currently running in partnership with Chinese institutions that support scientific training and academic development for researchers from OIC countries. These programmes include specialized courses and research collaborations designed to strengthen scientific capacity and technological expertise within member states. Officials highlighted the importance of such partnerships in helping researchers gain access to advanced laboratories, modern research tools and global scientific networks.
One of the key initiatives discussed involved training programmes conducted in cooperation with Chinese universities. Existing collaboration includes the COMSTECH HUCM training programme as well as a nineteen day certificate course on applied biomedical artificial intelligence organized with Ningbo University. The course has been designed to provide researchers from OIC countries with practical knowledge in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence driven medical analysis and biomedical data research. Officials said such training initiatives are intended to help scientists and healthcare professionals develop skills that can support innovation in medicine and public health systems.
The meeting also explored several new proposals aimed at strengthening long term cooperation between China and COMSTECH. Among the ideas discussed was the creation of a COMSTECH Zhejiang joint laboratory that could serve as a collaborative research center for scientists from OIC member states. The proposed facility would allow researchers to work alongside Chinese experts on projects related to biotechnology, health science and emerging technologies. Officials also discussed the possibility of establishing a dedicated OIC COMSTECH office in Beijing to facilitate closer coordination with Chinese universities, research institutes and government institutions.
Additional academic partnerships were also part of the discussions. Officials examined the potential for expanded cooperation with Chinese institutions including Xinjiang Medical University and other research centers involved in medical and technological development. The aim of these partnerships would be to increase opportunities for training, scholarships and joint research initiatives involving students and scientists from across OIC member countries. By strengthening academic exchange programmes, officials believe the initiative could help improve scientific capacity and technological innovation across the region.
Another important topic was the upcoming visit of a Chinese delegation expected to travel to Pakistan in April. The delegation is expected to include twenty seven representatives from Chinese universities, research institutes and technology organizations. The visit will focus on exploring further academic partnerships and strengthening institutional cooperation between China and COMSTECH. Officials say the delegation will hold meetings with scientific institutions in Pakistan and discuss future collaborative projects aimed at advancing research and innovation.
Analysts say cooperation between China and COMSTECH reflects a broader effort to strengthen scientific collaboration among OIC countries while connecting researchers to global research networks. China has increasingly expanded its engagement in international science partnerships, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, medical research and advanced technology development. These initiatives are viewed as opportunities for developing countries to access new technologies, improve research capabilities and build stronger academic links with leading global institutions.
Officials from both sides emphasized that scientific collaboration can play a key role in addressing global challenges including healthcare innovation, disease research and technological advancement. By expanding cooperation between Chinese institutions and OIC scientific organizations, the initiative aims to support knowledge sharing and long term research partnerships that could benefit scientists and researchers across multiple countries.
