Industry-aligned curriculum key to economic progress: ICCI President

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT):  President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, has underscored the critical importance of the Industry–Academia linkage in accelerating economic growth, promoting innovation, and developing a future-ready skilled workforce. He reaffirmed that ICCI is fully committed to continuing its role as a proactive bridge and frontline facilitator among the stakeholders.
He expressed these views while speaking to a 11-member faculty delegation of Air University School of Management (AUSOM), which visited the Chamber under the leadership of Dr. Amir Ishaque, Chairperson and Associate Professor, Department of Business Studies.
The ICCI President emphasized the urgent need to align academic curricula with industry and market requirements to spur industrial growth, boost exports, and generate sustainable employment. He stressed that globally recognized, demand-driven skill development is essential for enhancing competitiveness and meeting the evolving needs of businesses.
During the interaction, both sides agreed to establish a joint Think Tank to ensure closer coordination among academia, industry, and the Chamber, aimed at achieving shared objectives of business expansion and overall economic development.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Amir Ishaque sought ICCI’s cooperation in co-designing market-relevant courses, noting that such collaboration would enable universities to deliver tailor-made human capital to industry. He also invited the ICCI leadership to visit AUSOM for direct engagement with future entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub and Vice President Irfan Chaudhry briefed the delegation on ICCI’s initiatives to foster a conducive business environment and promote ease of doing business. They highlighted the value of inviting industry role models to universities to deliver lectures and inspire aspiring entrepreneurs.
Former ICCI President Mian Shaukat Masood stressed the importance of demand-based education and called for measures to curb the outflow of skilled professionals from the country.
Executive Members Sanaullah Khan and Zulqurnain Abbasi, along with ICCI members Dr. Usman and Aizaz Mohammad, also shared valuable insights, reiterating the need for sustained collaboration to bridge skill gaps and strengthen Pakistan’s economic ecosystem.