LAHORE: (Wednesday, December 10, 2025): Punjab University and the University of Jinan, China, have entered into significant agreements under which both countries will promote new academic and research collaborations within the Belt and Road framework. In this regard, a special ceremony was held in the committee room of the Vice Chancellor’s Office, where the PU Institute of Polymer and Textile Engineering (IPTE) and the School of Water Conservancy and Environment signed the agreements. In the online signing ceremony, participants included PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, Prof Dr Du Qing from the University of Jinan, CEO of the Chinese industrial partner Zhingsai Group Mr Wang Fuzhou, CEO of Pakistan’s Marjan Polymer Industries Dr Muhammad Abid, IPTE Director Dr Shehzad Maqsood, Director External Linkages Dr Yamina Salman, and faculty members. The Chinese industrial partner “Zhingsai Group” and Pakistani “Marjan Polymer Industries” are also part of the collaboration. According to the agreement, both universities will cooperate in scientific, engineering, and technological research, and also agreed on faculty and student exchange programmes. Addressing the ceremony, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali stated that both universities will conduct joint research on soil erosion, environmental restoration, water conservation, and material development. He said that an International Joint Laboratory will be established for land and water conservation as well as environmental rehabilitation. He added that the agreement is a historic step towards practical collaboration between the academia and industries of Pakistan and China. He said that the agreement marks a new chapter in Pak-China friendship, featuring joint projects focused on sustainable development. These agreements will serve as an important milestone in achieving global sustainability goals and will create new opportunities for scientific advancement and industrial growth in both countries, he added.