Describing engineering sector as vital to economic growth, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday said the government was initiating a programme for skill and vocational training to provide appropriate workers to this sector and the industry. Talking to members of Engineering Development Board here, the Prime Minister noted that growth in many sectors was hindered by a gap between the demand and availability of skilled workforce and added that the training programme would help in bridging this gap.
He asked the Board to suggest a roadmap for promotion of engineering sector to match the demands, both domestic and abroad. Shaukat Aziz said the government's role is to provide enabling environment for promotion of the industry, adding that the government is also providing infrastructure facilities to facilitate the industry work with its full potential.
The Prime Minister called for focussing on providing technical assistance to tap material resources. It requires efforts at all levels to produce skilled and trained workers, he added.
Shaukat Aziz asked the Board to encourage multinational companies to set up their manufacturing plants in Pakistan as the country was providing the best facilities and a conducive environment for investment in the region.
The Prime Minister said that the country needs a quantum jump in the engineering sector and added, "We need to have a right focus and clarity in our objectives to move forward."
He said the Engineering Development Board should be restructured in a manner to make it functional, business oriented and a body to facilitate and encourage the manufacturing sector in the country.