Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday the government’s commitment to enhancing the skills of the national workforce to meet international standards. The statement came during a meeting with a seven-member delegation from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), led by Chief Executive Helen Brand OBE, at the PM House.

The prime minister emphasized the potential of the country’s talented youth and capable manpower, noting that third-party validation for enhancing transparency and governance is integral to government projects. He highlighted the importance of improving the government’s performance and governance as a top priority.

Prime Minister Sharif welcomed the recent improvement in Pakistan’s investment rating by Fitch but stressed the need for further efforts. He acknowledged the ACCA’s potential role in equipping the country’s workforce with new professional skills, aimed at boosting international competitiveness.

The government is set to support ACCA’s initiatives to build the capacity of government institutions. The prime minister directed relevant authorities to strengthen cooperation with the association and explore future strategies.

The ACCA delegation underscored its significant contribution to Pakistan’s economy, noting that 13,000 Pakistani members are currently serving worldwide, with around 40,000 students working towards membership. They expressed gratitude to the Higher Education Commission for recognizing ACCA members with a Master’s degree equivalence.

Additionally, the delegation conveyed a strong interest in supporting Pakistan’s Green Economy Transformation Plan. They expressed eagerness to collaborate with the government on sustainable global initiatives, addressing climate change, and pursuing innovations in accountancy and audit, along with service outsourcing in the corporate sector.