Shenzhen – June 24:
In a promising step towards scientific and health collaboration, China’s leading genomics research institution, the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), has announced plans to train young Pakistani scientists and support the development of Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure through cutting-edge technology and expertise.
The development was discussed during a recent high-level visit by Qaiser Nawab, Chairman of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), to BGI’s headquarters in Shenzhen. During his visit, Nawab held extensive discussions with BGI officials on expanding cooperation in biotechnology, health innovation, and scientific capacity building.
Nawab was warmly welcomed by Mao Zhixia, a senior official overseeing BGI’s South Asia affairs, who shared the institute’s journey — from its humble beginnings to becoming the world’s largest genomics research organization. Mao highlighted BGI’s pioneering work in gene sequencing, precision medicine, diagnostics, and pandemic response.
Both parties expressed strong interest in establishing a formal framework to promote training programs specifically designed for young scientists and researchers from Pakistan and other Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. The goal is to equip emerging scientists with the tools and knowledge needed to drive innovation in healthcare and life sciences within their home countries.
“Science and technology must be inclusive. We need to empower the next generation of researchers in the Global South, especially in countries like Pakistan,” said Nawab, who stressed BRISD’s focus on sustainable and equitable development.
Beyond discussions on biotechnology, Nawab also spotlighted Pakistan’s innovative steps in healthcare delivery. He highlighted the launch of Pakistan’s first Virtual Blood Bank Centre — a platform that connects emergency patients with nearby registered blood donors using a simple call to the national emergency helpline (15, option 4). The system, developed under the Safe City initiative, now has over 30,000 registered donors and is revolutionizing access to life-saving blood during emergencies.
Encouraging Pakistan’s youth to take part in blood donation, Nawab added, “Every drop counts. One donation can mean the difference between life and death.”
He also praised BGI as a global model for how investment in science and innovation can lead to transformative societal impact. “BGI is a shining example of what dedication to research and human progress can achieve,” he said.
With the groundwork now laid for future collaboration, the BGI-BRISD partnership is poised to open doors for young Pakistani scientists, strengthening both bilateral ties and global efforts to improve health outcomes in the developing world.
