Pakistan Upskilling Labor Force to Meet International Market Demands, Says Mian Akram Farid, Chairman, EFP Central

WNAM REPORT: Renowned industrialist and Central Chairman of the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP), Mr. Mian Akram Farid, has affirmed the immense potential of Pakistani youth, highlighting their growing recognition worldwide for their capabilities.
He stated that the Federal Government, through the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), is actively conducting numerous training programs to equip young individuals with skills aligned with the demands of both national and international markets.
Mr. Farid made these remarks during a dinner hosted at his residence in honor of Mr. Luc Triangle, Secretary-General of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Mr. Shoya Yoshida, Regional Secretary-General of ITUC, and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Mr. Chaudhry Salik Hussain.
Welcoming the esteemed guests to Pakistan, Mr. Farid expressed his desire for a stronger partnership between the Pakistani industrial sector and the ITUC. He acknowledged the commendable efforts of Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in aligning Pakistan’s industrial sectors with the priorities and regulations of European and developed nations.
Furthermore, Mr. Farid highlighted the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development’s commitment to realizing Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of increasing valuable foreign exchange remittances. He noted the Ministry’s initiation of specialized courses for skilled individuals, which has contributed to a significant increase in remittances. Consequently, the national exchequer witnessed a record inflow of over $4 billion last month, an increase of $1.15 billion compared to March of the previous year.
On the occasion, Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain lauded the global efforts of the International Trade Union Confederation for the rights of workers. He reiterated the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to working with the International Labour Organization to promote these rights. He proudly mentioned that due to his ministry’s dedicated efforts, over 12 million Pakistanis are currently employed in various countries, and a record $38 billion in remittances is expected from overseas Pakistanis this year. He also elaborated on the federal government’s policies formulated for the welfare of laborers.
Mr. Luc Triangle, Secretary-General of the International Trade Union Confederation, acknowledged Pakistan’s robust democratic values and praised the government’s initiatives aimed at improving the rights of workers and employees in the country. He recognized the significant potential of Pakistan’s 70 million-strong workforce to bolster the national economy, emphasizing the need to address the various employment-related challenges faced by workers. The Secretary General specifically praised the steps taken by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis aimed at protecting the rights and ensuring the welfare of Pakistanis working abroad. On this occasion, Federal Minister Salik Hussain presented a memorandum of their visit to the distinguished guests.
At the conclusion of the event, President of the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP), Malik Tahir Javed, thanked all the esteemed guests for their attendance. Present on this occasion were Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Secretary of the Workers Welfare Fund Zulfiqar Ahmed, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Geir Thomas Tonstol, EOBI Board of Trustees Member Chaudhry Naseem, General Secretary of the Pakistan Workers Federation Zahoor Awan, former Minister for Industries Shehzad Ahsan, former Ambassador Shahid Kayani, General Secretary of the Pakistan United Workers Federation Saad Chaudhry, former Senior Vice President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Raafat Farid, Renowned businessman Kashif Farid, and prominent figures from various industrial and labor sectors.