PM seeks ILO support for global certification of Pakistani skilled workers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for greater facilitation by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the international certification and professional training of Pakistani skilled workers to bring them in line with global labour-market standards.

The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with ILO Director General Gilbert F Houngbo, who called on him along with his delegation in Islamabad, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Shehbaz said that Pakistan valued its partnership with the ILO, particularly in creating opportunities for productive employment for skilled workers and the country’s youth.

He reiterated the need for greater ILO support for international certification and professional training of Pakistani skilled labour in accordance with international labour-market standards.

The prime minister said the government was taking effective measures for the welfare, protection and professional progression of the country’s labour force in line with international covenants.

He also highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance industrial growth, productivity and the competitiveness of Pakistan’s labour market through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA).

Shehbaz said that greater collaboration and constructive engagement with the ILO could further strengthen SMEDA’s initiatives.

Houngbo thanked the prime minister for the meeting and expressed his eagerness to work with Pakistan on the protection, progression and prosperity of its labour force.

The ILO director general also appreciated the positive coordination between the organisation and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development and reaffirmed the ILO’s continued collaboration with the government, employers and workers in Pakistan for the cohesive development of the labour force and industry.

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, Acting Foreign Secretary Nabeel Munir, President Employers Foundation of Pakistan Majyd Aziz, Deputy Member (Workers) of the ILO Governing Body Muhammad Saad and senior officials also attended the meeting.