Swedish Ambassador in Pakistan Ms Ulrika Sundberg called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at Chief Minister's Secretariat here on Saturday and discussed matters of mutual interest and increase in co-operation in various sectors also came under discussion. Secretary Commerce, Chairman Special Initiatives, Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board and Chairman TEVTA were also present on the occasion, disclosed an official.
The Chief Minister said the Punjab government is focusing on promotion of vocational education for eliminating poverty and unemployment from the province, and for this purpose TEVTA has been made a vibrant and autonomous institute. He said the syllabus of vocational education has been harmonised with the latest demands.
"Skilled force is being produced in accordance with the market and industrial needs. Sweden has expertise in technical education and desired that Sweden should increase co-operation with Punjab regarding promotion of vocational education," he added.
According to him, Punjab and Sweden can launch joint ventures by promoting public-private partnership. Both the countries should extend trade and economic co-operation. The Punjab government has adopted a comprehensive strategy for the promotion of quality education and uplift of education sector.
The government has taken unprecedented measures for promotion of education, adding that an educational fund has been established for the needy but talented students. Foreign educational tours are also being arranged by the government for students who secure top positions in various exams. This year 49 position-holder students will be sent to Sweden, France and Germany. Two students each from rest of the provinces will also be part of this tour.