OPF distributes trade-specific toolkits to returning migrants for sustainable self-employment
Zubair Qureshi
Advisor to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Muhammad Ayub Afridi has said that the government is extending all support to the initiatives being taken through joint ventures for the capacity building of returning migrants so that they could start sustainable and dignified self-employment in the country.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundationfor capacity building and to provide the returning migrants with trade-specific toolkits as an in-kind support to help them start sustained self-employment.
The advisor mentioned that the incumbent government is passionate about creating opportunities for overseas workers to work in their homeland. He also said that the Pak-German cooperation has strengthened over the years.
OPF in collaboration with the Pakistan–German Facilitation & Reintegration Centre (PGFRC) has provided comprehensive training to some 82 returning migrants in the fields of culinary arts, motorcycle mechanics and photography.
About 18 skilled returnees were identified in the trades of electrician, plumber, carpenter, and masson, they were provided the business development training and provided the respective toolkits in the ceremony.
Marion Pfennigs, Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Germany, was also present at the occasion while Managing Director OPF, Dr. Amer Sheikh, Tobias Becker, Country Director, GIZ, lawmakers & HRD, members, OPF Board of Governors, senior government officials, representatives of international organizations and civil society also attended the ceremony.
Country Director GIZ, Tobias Becker, said that PGFRC is playing a critical role in fostering self-employment and entrepreneurship. These efforts are resulting in enhancing the capacity of workforce and reducing unemployment rates in Pakistan.
He said this initiative helps not only to contribute to ensuring better life of returning migrants but also achieving the Agenda 2030 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.
Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Germany, Marion Pfennigs said she was delighted that 82 returning migrants had received training in their respective fields.
