LAHORE, May 21. /Dunyo IA/.  During the visit of the Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev to the city of Lahore, a meeting was held with Ahmad Shafiq, the head of the “COTHM Group of Colleges” educational network, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the conversation, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in the field of education, the establishment of direct links with educational institutions of our country, the implementation of joint educational programs in tourism and hospitality, as well as issues regarding the development of the workforce training system.

Pakistani side was briefed on the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan aimed at accelerating the development of the tourism sector, supplying the industry with highly qualified personnel, modernizing the vocational education system based on international standards, and improving the overall quality of training.

Ahmad Shafiq shared details about the activities of the “COTHM Group of Colleges” educational network and its extensive branch system within Pakistan and abroad. He expressed strong interest in establishing direct cooperation with the Agency for Vocational Education of Uzbekistan and the country's technical colleges to train personnel in the fields of tourism, hospitality, culinary arts and other related professions.

During the talks, the parties also discussed implementing modern educational programs in hotel management, culinary arts, tourist services, and the restaurant business, alongside improving the instructional process based on international standards. Additionally, they reviewed organizing “train-the-trainer” programs for Uzbek instructors and specialists, as well as launching short-term courses, online training, and professional development internships.

The sides further considered prospects for establishing modern training laboratories and tourism simulation centers for practical exercises within technical colleges, as well as introducing grant programs to provide Uzbek students with opportunities to study in Pakistan.

“We are ready to establish effective cooperation with the Uzbek side in these areas. We also plan to hold talks with the leadership of the Agency for Vocational Education of Uzbekistan and visit the country to get a closer look at the activities of the technical colleges”, - noted Ahmad Shafiq.

Founded in 1992, “COTHM Group of Colleges” is a private network of educational institutions that works in close cooperation with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. The institution offers certificate and bachelor's programs lasting from 3 months to 2 years across more than 10 specializations through its 28 campuses located throughout Pakistan.