KARACHI, Jan 15 (APP): Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhary Salik Hussain, visited the Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI) to strengthen cooperation on overseas manpower development and ensure facilitation between EOBI and the industrial community.
Federal Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry and EOBI Chairman Dr. Jawaid A. Sheikh accompanied the minister on Thursday’s visit to the Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI).
The delegation was welcomed by Muhammad Zubair Chhaya, Chairman KATI, who assured full cooperation with EOBI and offered KATI’s mediatory role in resolving issues of its members. Highlighting KATI’s significance, he stated that the Association represents over 5,000 members, generates around 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs, and contributes 9.5% to the country’s exports, underscoring the need for its consultation in policy matters. He also appreciated the Ministry’s role in contributing approximately USD 38 billion to Pakistan’s foreign reserves.
KATI also expressed willingness to collaborate with the Ministry in developing skilled manpower for overseas employment. The Federal Minister invited KATI office bearers to visit the Ministry in Islamabad for further discussions. He added that manpower export stood at 0.74 million last year and is targeted to increase to 0.80 million this year.
The Federal Minister advised the EOBI Korangi Office to coordinate with KATI prior to issuing recovery notices, emphasizing resolution through dialogue and facilitation.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted that EOBI’s fund size has increased from Rs. 500 billion to Rs. 650 billion within one and a half years due to improved governance and transparency. He noted that EOBI is focusing on enhancing investment returns, resolving property-related litigations through mediation, activating idle assets, overhauling IT systems, and digitizing statutory notices.
He further informed that EOBI’s Complaint Management System is being integrated with the Prime Minister’s Portal, Wafaqi Mohtasib, and other relevant departments, while Help Desks have been established in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi to facilitate employers, employees, and pensioners.