The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) have signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in developing a workforce that meets evolving industry demands.
The partnership forms part of the upcoming Punjab Industrial Clusters Program (PICP) under the Maryam Nawaz Hunarmand Naujawan initiative. It is designed to better align Pakistan’s skills development ecosystem with the needs of the private sector and support sustainable economic growth.
Under the agreement, PSDF and FPCCI will work together to improve industry linkages, enhance labour market responsiveness, and encourage greater private sector involvement in skills development. The collaboration aims to narrow the gap between training institutions and employers while ensuring a steady supply of skilled workers for high-growth industries.
A key focus of the partnership is expanding opportunities for women by improving access to technical, industrial, digital, and export-oriented skills training, particularly in sectors where female participation has traditionally been limited.
The two organisations will also establish mechanisms to identify emerging industries, changing occupational requirements, and future workforce needs. Their joint efforts will include internships, apprenticeships, workplace learning opportunities, career exposure programmes, and employer engagement initiatives to help trainees transition into meaningful employment.
In addition, the MoU provides for joint seminars, technical workshops, policy dialogues, research projects, and knowledge-sharing platforms aimed at promoting evidence-based workforce planning, strengthening industrial competitiveness, and supporting export-driven human capital development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, PSDF Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Khan said sustainable skills development depends on strong partnerships with industry. He noted that institutionalising private sector engagement would help training programmes remain aligned with labour market demands while equipping young people with practical, industry-relevant skills that contribute to economic growth.
As Pakistan’s largest network of chambers and trade associations, representing around 170 sectors of the economy, FPCCI will support the initiative by mobilising private sector participation, providing labour market intelligence, and facilitating employer engagement in workforce development programmes.
FPCCI Regional Chairman and Vice President Zaki Aijaz stressed the importance of aligning workforce development with the country’s industrial goals. He praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for prioritising skills training as a key pillar of industrial development.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to using skills development as a driver of industrial expansion, export competitiveness, and sustainable employment. By strengthening collaboration between government and industry, PSDF and FPCCI aim to build a future-ready workforce that supports Punjab’s long-term economic transformation.
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