SIALKOT, (APP): All necessary arrangements are being
finalized for setting up state-of-the-art Pakistan Readymade
Technical Training Institute (PRTTI) costing over Rs 125 million.
In an interview with APP on Saturday, Pakistan Readymade Garments
Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) chief coordinator,
Ijaz A. Khokhar disclosed the proposed institute would be established
on Sialkot-Daska road and development work on the project would
soon be undertaken.
He said the federal government had released
Rs 50 million while remaining amount of Rs 75 million would be
released shortly and the institute would be affiliated with Japan.
The objective of setting the training institute was to produce
trained workforce in the field of stitching, pattern designing,
quality control, inspection and sewing machine mechanics male
and females separately, he said.
Ijaz Khokhar said the PRTTI after regular functioning would
help exporters engaged with readymade garments industry to induct
trained workforce for improving the overall productivity and quality
of the product. He said, at present, there are 50 industrial units
were producing Martial Art uniforms while 100 units are engaged
in producing tracksuits and sportswear in Sialkot and catering to
the domestic and international needs.
The PRGMEA Chief Coordinator suggested that federal and provincial
governments should focus attention on setting up industrial villages
and special economic zones to facilitate the business community across
the country. The developing of industrial villages and special economic zones had become inevitable for accelerating the pace of industrialization which would help in generating new opportunities of employment for
skilled and semi-skilled workers at their doorstep, he said.
There is great need of setting up industrial villages and special
economic zones in Sialkot and governments should take drastic steps
for developing Sports goods, surgical instruments, leather and musical instruments industry industrial villages and special economic zones separately, he suggest. The exporter community of Sialkot which is export-oriented city and hub of cottage industry was making adequate efforts for enhancing export volume despite of heavy odds and hurdles,
Ijaz added