Ahsan Iqbal calls for technology-driven modernization of Sialkot industry

SIALKOT, Aug 09 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof Ahsan Iqbal, called for modernization of Sialkot’s industries through technology and increased exports.

Addressing the German-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GPCCI) Business Networking Reception here on Saturday late night, he said Pakistan and Germany were enjoying longstanding diplomatic relations and would soon celebrate 75 years of bilateral

relations.

Ahsan Iqbal stressed that Pakistani industries must adopt modern technology to remain competitive, adding that Pakistan had potential to significantly increase its exports and there was a need to introduce new products and brands in international markets.

Highlighting the importance of stronger economic cooperation with Germany, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan had a natural opportunity to build a complementary partnership with Germany, particularly in engineering, technology, manufacturing and technical education.

He said Germany was a global leader in engineering and that cooperation with German companies and institutions could help Pakistan strengthen its technological and manufacturing capabilities.

Ahsan Iqbal also praised Germany’s technical and vocational training system, describing it as one of the strongest technical education models in the world.

He said Pakistan could benefit from German expertise in developing technical and vocational education and training programs aimed at equipping young people with skills relevant to future industries.

He added, strengthening technical education would help Pakistan turn its young population into a productive demographic dividend and create a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth.

He stressed the need for rapidly expand Pakistan’s industrial clusters, which were already providing the country with a distinct identity in international exports.

“We are now on a path of recovery and stabilization,” he said and emphasized that Pakistan must maintain continuity in its economic policies and ensure peace and stability to sustain the recovery”, he added.

Ahsan Iqbal called for incentives for Pakistani companies that achieve the milestone of becoming the country’s first billion-dollar export company, saying exporters who earn foreign exchange for Pakistan should be recognized as national heroes.

He said the government should create a competitive environment among businesses to encourage them to maximize exports.

He also announced that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was expected to establish a Pakistan Export Council, which he said would be chaired by the prime minister himself.

The council would work with exporters to facilitate the rapid expansion of Pakistan’s export sector, he added.

The Minister said that the Sialkot business community to set ambitious export targets and work with the government to achieve them.

He said that it was time that we should shift from being low cost, low end producers to high value branded producers of products. He said Pakistan must move beyond competing solely on low prices and focus on creating strong international brands to ensure long-term export growth.

Concluding his remarks, the federal minister wished the German-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry success and expressed hope that stronger cooperation between Germany and Pakistan would lead to a long-term partnership.

He said the collaboration could help Pakistan improve its manufacturing capabilities, develop its human resources and build industrial capacity compatible with the requirements of future global markets.

Later, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between GPCCI and Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PREGMEA).

The ceremony was held in a local marquee at Cantt Sialkot and was organized in collaboration with Ijaz A. Khokhar, CEO of Ashraf Industries (Pvt.) Ltd., Vice President of the International Apparel Federation (IAF), Former Chairman of the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), and a respected GPCCI member.

The ceremony was attended by former federal minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, GPCCI President Syed Nadeem Ali Kazmi, Provincial Minister for Labour and Human Resources Punjab Muhammad Manshaullah Butt, Member National Assembly (MNA) Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Ch. Faisal Ikram, Chairman Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) Abdul Ghafoor Malik, Presidents, SVPS, VPS of different Associations o Sialkot, Sialkot business community.