The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration between government and industry, aligning the skills development ecosystem with Pakistan's private sector as part of the upcoming Punjab Industrial Clusters Program (PICP) under the Maryam Nawaz Hunarmand Naujawan initiative.
Framework for Industry Linkages
The MoU establishes a collaborative framework through which PSDF and FPCCI will work together to strengthen industry linkages, enhance labour market responsiveness, and facilitate greater private sector participation in skills development. Both organizations aim to bridge the gap between training institutions and employers while promoting a sustainable pipeline of skilled human capital for high-growth sectors of the economy.
Focus on Women's Employment
The partnership also focuses on expanding women's access to skills development and employment pathways in non-traditional, technical, industrial, digital, and export-oriented sectors. PSDF and FPCCI will establish mechanisms for industry engagement to identify emerging sectors, evolving occupational requirements, and future workforce demands.
Internships and Apprenticeships
The collaboration will facilitate internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning opportunities, career exposure initiatives, and employer engagement to strengthen the transition of skilled individuals into productive employment. The MoU further provides for joint seminars, technical workshops, policy dialogues, knowledge-sharing platforms, and research initiatives to promote evidence-based approaches to workforce planning, sectoral competitiveness, and export-oriented human capital development.
CEO Perspectives
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF, said, "The future of skills development lies in strong partnerships with industry, which is why we are institutionalizing private sector engagement in the design and continuous improvement of skills development programs – to better understand labour market dynamics, anticipate emerging workforce needs, and equip our youth with industry-relevant skills to increase economic growth."
FPCCI's Role
Representing Pakistan's largest network of chambers and trade associations, including 170 sectors of the economy, FPCCI will play a pivotal role in mobilizing private sector participation, providing labour market insights, and facilitating employer engagement for employment and workforce development initiatives. Zaki Aijaz, Regional Chairman and Vice President at FPCCI, emphasized the importance of aligning workforce development with the country's industrial ambitions.
"Pakistan's economic future depends on a workforce equipped with industry-relevant technical skills. We commend Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, for making skills training a strategic priority for the industrial sectors," said Aijaz.
Shared Vision
The partnership reinforces a shared vision of positioning skills as a catalyst for industrial growth, export competitiveness, and sustainable employment. By strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors, PSDF and FPCCI aim to build a workforce that meets the needs of a rapidly evolving economy and improve employment outcomes while contributing to Punjab's long-term economic transformation.
