LAHORE: The World Bank (WB) has been extending all-out support to Punjab for strengthening training system and produce skilled labour force in various sectors to cater to the needs of growing industry.
These views were expressed by World Bank Senior Education Specialist, Human Development Unit for South Asian Region Ms Scherezad J Monami Latif while talking to LCCI President Ijaz A Mumtaz at LCCI. LCCI Senior Vice President Mian Nauman Kabir was also present on the occasion.
Ms Scherezad J Monami Latif said that to get the desired results, training infrastructure in the province should be developed. She said that private sector and technical training institutes should enhance coordination so that training providers could be aware of the training needs of the private sector. She said that private sector should be encouraged to take the management control of various public sector training schools.
This will not only increase the efficiency of the training schools but would also ensure that relevant training is given. She said that after having feedback from the Chambers of Commerce & Industry and other stakeholders, World Bank team would bring business community and private sector training institutes on one table.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Ijaz A Mumtaz said Punjab is home to the largest chunk of population of the country with more or less 100 million people. He said that Pakistan’s total labor force is around 60.34 million, out of which Punjab’s share is 29.16 million. It is clear evidence as to how essential it is to train and properly guide the labor force of this particular province.
He said that we are facing severe problem of low productivity of labor, which can only be addressed by enhancing their skills. For that matter, projects for skill development are need of the hour. LCCI President said that that Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry not only plays a fostering role in nurturing the business activity in the country but has also played a vital role in the uplift of the labor force of this province. He said that utmost importance has always been given towards the technical and vocational skills of the laborers.
