In a groundbreaking initiative, a research project titled "China-Pakistan Nexus of Electronic Vehicle Industry Chain and Coordinated Development Policy" has been approved for funding by the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) led by Dr. Asma Arif, Assistant Professor and Chairperson of Economics at the University of Wah, and Dr. Li Huajiao from China University of GeoSciences Beijing, this collaborative endeavor brings together a team of distinguished experts from both countries.

The project, with an estimated worth of approximately 3.5 million from PSF and up to 150K from NSFC, aims to conduct comprehensive research and establish a robust exchange program focused on the dynamic relationship between China and Pakistan in the electronic vehicle (EV) industry. The research will investigate how this nexus impacts resource dependence structures and formulate a coordinated development policy for the new energy vehicle industry.

Collaborating with Dr. Asma Arif on the Pakistani side are prominent co-principal investigators, including Dr. Wazir Zada Khan, Dr. Muhammad Zahir Iqbal, Dr. Ghulam Abbas, and Dr. Umaima Arif, who bring their expertise from various fields such as Computer science, Engineering, and Economics.

The research program will span from June 18, 2023, June 18, 2025, and will involve both online and offline collaboration between the scholars. Dr. Li Huajiao and Dr. Asma Arif, as principal investigators from China and Pakistan, respectively, will be responsible for the co-research details and the exchange program's planning.

The project's business travel and investigation activities will be conducted in two units. In the first unit, scholars from Pakistan will visit China from July 1, 2024, to July 7, 2024. They will participate in workshops and investigation meetings with institutions such as China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China Center for International Economic Exchanges, Beijing Automotive Group, and various relevant ministries.

In the second unit, scholars from China will travel to Pakistan from December 1, 2024, to December 7, 2024. During their visit, they will engage in workshops and investigation meetings with institutions such as the University of Wah, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Ministry of Industries, Master Group, JW FORLAND, and others.

This collaborative research endeavor promises to shed light on the intricate relationship between China and Pakistan in the burgeoning electric vehicle industry and will provide valuable insights for shaping future policies and developments in this critical sector. The funding and support from PSF and NSFC underline the significance of this research and its potential to drive innovation and collaboration between the two nations.