Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the FIEDMC IQTM Training Centre, established at Faisalabad Garment City, in collaboration with FIEDMC and Punjab University, he stated that after assuming office, he had set different targets for universities which included provision of potable water, conversion to solar energy and water harvesting. He declared that with the help of God, they had successfully achieved all these targets and are now one step closer to materializing the dream of prosperity.
He said that universities that were acquiring electricity at Rs 22 per unit earlier are now consuming it at a cheap rate of Rs 10 per unit. The newly established center IQTM, he believes would help link education with practical training which would ensure skilled manpower for the industrial sector. “It will help Pakistan enter the fourth industrial revolution,” said Sarwar. “Progress and prosperity are directly linked with industrialization “, he added.
Skilled manpower vital for industrial development
He also applauded Chairman FIEDMC Kashif Ashfaq for his achievement of establishing this project in the least possible time. “It will provide skilled manpower to the industrial units to be established in the Special Economic Zone, Allama Iqbal Industry City and other industrial zones “, said Sarwar. The governor added that linkages between the industry and academia were essential for national development. He stressed that the universities and FIEDMC should collaborate to guarantee provision of skilled manpower for the industrial sector. There are several opportunities in the business sector but only those nations which maintain quality and standard can avail these opportunities, he said.
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Governor Punjab instructed other universities to follow in the footsteps of Punjab University and offer degree programs in quality management. He stated that though it may be a difficult task to initiate such significant projects but it is necessary they be sustained for us harvest the socio-economic benefits.
Grateful to @ChMSarwar and @DrNiazAhmadSI for their cooperation and support in establishment of FIEDMC-IQMTC. Training institute will provide Pakistan with dignified manpower to meet local & int'l industrial demand.#MianKashifToday #FIEDMC pic.twitter.com/V4xpbx20iT
— Mian Kashif Ashfaq (@Kashif_Ashfaq1) January 18, 2021
Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar Vice Chancellor Punjab University addressed the function and pledged that they would offer all sorts of support to FIEDMC for training of their manpower. Chairman FIEDMC Mian Kashif Ashfaq said that during PM Khan’s recent visit to Faisalabad, it was suggested that a training center for the industrial workforce should be established. FIEDMC immediately acted on the suggestion and launched IQTM Training Center to upskill manpower and expand their capabilities.
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FIEMDC Chairman presented a memento to Governor Punjab while Governor Punjab presented shield to Vice Chancellor Punjab University. Provincial Minister for Colonies and Culture Khiyal Ahmad Kastro, MPA Chaudhary Lateef Nazar and others were also in attendance.
FIEDMC’s role in reviving Pakistan’s Industrial Sector
FIEDMC has been serving as a key government entity in developing and diversifying the economy of Pakistan through the creation of industrial zones. It was formally registered under company’s ordinance in 1984 with aim to foster economic development and has currently undertaken three projects of national importance. Their first project of Value Addition City has been a massive success and has been applauded for offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, affordable land, top-notch facilities and dedicated business support services.
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M-3 Industrial City which enjoys the perks of being an SEZ is another fruitful project which was launched by FIEDMC. It is the largest industrial state in Pakistan launched to support the development of the manufacturing sector through provision of top-tier infrastructure and an environmental-friendly estate management. Comprising of over more than 4500 acres of land accommodating Chemicals, Auto motives, Textile, Pharmaceuticals, Information Technology etc., M-3 Industrial City is a huge project with enormous potential
Allama Iqbal Industrial City- FIEDMC’s Landmark Project
Allama Iqbal Industrial City, which is one of the nine SEZ’s to be built in Pakistan under CPEC is being developed by FIEDMC too. The SEZ’s are referred to as the lifelines of Pakistan’s industrial development as once operational, they would be able to create around 2 million jobs. They would also enhance exports and would help in uplifting several other sectors of the economy.
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This SEZ was inaugurated by Prime Minister Imran Khan in January, 2020. Addressing the ground-breaking ceremony of the Allam Iqbal Industrial City, he said that Pakistan needs to have intensive industrialization for wealth creation. He further stated that the problem of unemployment can’t be solved by the agriculture-based economy of the country and that the industries need to take up this responsibility. Allama Iqbal City is spread over 3217 acres of land and strategically located just opposite M-3 Industrial City. Both M3 Industrial City and Allama Iqbal Industrial City are connected to M4 Motorway Sahianwala Interchange. FIEDMC believes that within one to two years, more companies would set up there which would significantly increase national exports. This would usher in a new era of industrial development in Pakistan.