Skilled workforce essential for industrial growth : PFC CEO

LAHORE, Jun 21 (APP): Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq has called for allocating greater financial resources for the development of highly trained skilled workers, saying Pakistan was facing an acute shortage of skilled manpower across various industrial sectors.

Talking to a delegation led by President of the Pakistan Furniture Importers Association Lahore, Faryad Ahmad Raza Arain, here on Sunday, he said industries including furniture manufacturing, engineering, construction, textiles and information technology were encountering difficulties in finding adequately trained workers equipped with modern technical skills.

Mian Kashif stressed the need to enhance funding for technical and vocational education institutions and introduce modern skill development programmes aligned with global market requirements. He said investment in workforce training would improve productivity, attract foreign investment, boost exports and create employment opportunities for the youth.

He urged policymakers to prioritize skill development in the upcoming budget and formulate a comprehensive strategy involving industry, academia and training institutions to address the growing demand for skilled labour.

The PFC chief said the country’s future economic prosperity depended on investment in human capital and technical expertise. He observed that nations do not achieve sustainable economic growth merely through abundant natural resources but through a strong foundation of skilled, productive and innovative workers.

Speaking on the occasion, Faryad Ahmad Raza Arain appreciated the Pakistan Furniture Council’s efforts for industrial development and assured full cooperation in promoting skill-based education and workforce development initiatives across the country.