According to United Nations Pakistan, the initiative titled ‘Strengthening PPE-related Manufacturing Capacities in Pakistan’ brought together stakeholders from multiple sectors, including the Counsellor for Economic Commercial Affairs from China, Mr. Yang Guangyuan, and the Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Programme, Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan. Representatives from both Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Planning and Development Departments, as well as various educational and vocational training authorities, attended the event.
The project notably equipped 17 Common Facility Centers across Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab with 858 pieces of advanced industrial training and production equipment. This setup is expected to assist 10,000 young individuals over the next three years, with a significant focus on empowering young women, who make up at least 50% of the beneficiaries.
Ms. Van Nguyen, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, highlighted in her speech that the project’s efforts are geared towards enhancing business opportunities and economic resilience for Pakistan’s youth. She underscored the importance of adopting modern technologies and providing technical support to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to meet both local and international market demands.
Mr. Yang Guangyuan lauded the project’s approach, which he described as empowering young Pakistanis to be more self-sufficient and better prepared for future employment opportunities, particularly in industries geared towards exports. He emphasized the dual focus on equipping the youth and enhancing Pakistan’s export capabilities as a strategic move for economic growth.
Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort and the international support received, noting the project as a milestone in fostering sustainable development and youth empowerment in Pakistan. He looked forward to ongoing cooperation with international partners like China and the UNDP to continue supporting Pakistan’s youth.
This initiative falls under UNDP’s broader Stabilization and Inclusive Development Programme (SIDP), which seeks to promote economic development among vulnerable groups through skills development, job creation, and MSME sector catalysis, focusing on a business-friendly environment and societal resilience.