In order to cope with shortage of skilled workforce, a Technology University is being established for producing skilled and semi skilled workforce in accordance with the requirements and need of the local industry, the SCCI president disclosed. Zahid Latif further told that "Knowledge City" spreading over 500 acres of land would soon be established near Sambrial in which different Universities including National University of Science and Technology and National Textile University Faisalabad will set their campuses. Zahid further added that SCCI was making adequate efforts for developing Industry-Academia linkages aimed developing new technologies, enhanced production systems, diversification of export basket and increase exports. The SCCI was extending full cooperation and assistance to the women entrepreneurs enabling them to start their business independently and at preset a large number of females are members of the SCCI and doing their business successfully.
The business community was facing serious shortage of skilled and semi skilled workforce since which is hindering production activities in this export hub he said. Zahid pointed out that Sialkot is earning more than $2 billion and strengthening the national exchequer through its exports and business community is committed to enhance the export volume despite certain financial constrains. Zahid underscored the need to revise trade policy on top priority aimed at averting the fast decline of exports of the country adding that government should take aggressive approach for formulation of trade policy. Under the prevailing circumstances government should focus on preparing business friendly trade policies for cope with fast decline of exports of country, he said.
The SCCI President further added that government should provide special incentives to encourage the export of high priority sectors like textile and clothing, surgical and dental instruments, leather products, sports goods, footwear, gems and jewellery and furniture. Similarly potential sectors like surgical implants, composite products, light engineering products, printing and packing, sports wear, fitness apparel, gloves and musical instruments etc, needed special focus and facilities to perform optimally, he added.