Germany-Pakistan Training Initiative Project is inaugurated

Lahore: Punjab government has formally inaugurated Germany-Pakistan Training Initiative Project (GPATI) to be implemented with the collaboration of Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) in German Technical Institution (GIZ) for the vocational training and provision of jobs to the youth in the province.

The inaugural ceremony was held in a local hotel, today. Provincial Minister for Industries Ch. Muhammad Shafique was the chief guest on the occasion while Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany Dr. Cyrill Nunn, Chairman TEVTA Irfan Ali, Programme Coordinator Hance Crouse CEO TEVTA Jawad Ahmed Qureshi and Yawar Ali, representatives of European Union and other foreign countries, heads of local and international companies, prominent industrialists and TEVTA officers were present.

 Addressing the function, Provincial Minister for Industries Ch. Shafique said that in accordance with the development vision of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, provision of laptops, establishment of endowment fund for the youth and launching of various schemes for their technical training are very important for economic development of the country. He said that by launching of GPATI Programme in Punjab after Karachi is a proof of close relations between Germany and Punjab province.

Ch. Muhammad Shafique said that under GPATI programme, modern vocational training would be imparted to the youth in accordance with the local and international requirement so that they could make their place in the local and foreign labour market and also play their role in national development after the granting of GSP Status to Pakistan.

German Ambassador Dr. Cyrill Nunn said that German government has started GPATI programme for imparting technical skill to the youth and providing better job opportunities. He said that this programme has been evolved keeping in view the requirements of industrial sector of the country. He said that under this programme, TEVTA and private companies will impart vocational training to the youth and also provide them job opportunities. He said that German government appreciates the programmes launched by Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for the welfare of the youth and will provide all out cooperation for the vocational training of Pakistani youth. He said that launching of the programme will help in harmonizing TEVTA and other training and technical institutions with the demands of the modern age.

Chairman TEVTA, Irfan Ali informed the participants of the aims and objectives of the programme. He said it is due to the personal interest taken by Chief Minister Punjab that the programme has been launched in a short period of only four months. He said that Punjab textile industry is the backbone of national economy. He also informed about the courses to be conducted for the male and female youth. He said that under GPATI Programme on job training facility will also be provided.

CEO TEVTA Jawad Ahmed Qureshi, Yawar Ali and other industrialists also spoke on the occasion.