Islamabad, A significant project aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s manufacturing capacities and empowering young entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has successfully concluded. The ‘Strengthening PPE-related Manufacturing Capacities in Pakistan’ project, a collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of China, marked its completion with a ceremony in Islamabad.

According to United Nations Development Programme, the initiative equipped 17 Common Facility Centers across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with modern industrial training and production equipment. The project, which aims to impact 10,000 youth over three years, has already set up robust facilities for training in manufacturing processes of various goods, including personal protective equipment and textiles. Notably, 50% of the beneficiaries are young women, reflecting a significant step towards gender inclusivity in the workforce.

The ceremony featured remarks from key stakeholders, including Ms. Van Nguyen, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, and Mr. Yang Guangyuan, Minister Counsellor for Economic Commercial Affairs from the Government of China. Both highlighted the project’s role in bolstering Pakistan’s export capabilities and providing sustainable employment opportunities. Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, also underscored the importance of international cooperation in fostering economic development and youth empowerment in Pakistan.