PSDF trains 2,400 textile workers

LAHORE: A joint initiative by the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) and the Export Development Fund (EDF) has trained 2,400 workers for the textile value added sector, aiming to boost Pakistan's exports and economic growth, a statement said on Wednesday.

The PSDF said that 50 percent of the graduates from the training program, which focused on the production of readymade garments and knitwear, would be offered employment in the textile industry.

The textile sector is a key driver of Pakistan's economy, accounting for 46 percent of the manufacturing sector and 40 percent of the labor force. Pakistan is the fourth largest producer and third largest consumer of cotton in the world, and the eighth largest exporter of textile products in Asia.

According to the Board of Investment (BOI), the textile exports contributed approximately 60 percent to Pakistan's total exports in the fiscal year 2021, reaching $17.67 billion, a 28 percent increase from the previous year.

The PSDF and the EDF launched the "Export Growth Program in the Readymade Garments and Knitwear Industry" in 2023, with the aim of training 6,500 workers in the first year. The project, funded by the EDF, targets 20 percent female trainees, promoting inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

The training program offers hands-on practical experience aligned with industry requirements, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of the workforce.

The PSDF and the EDF said the initiative was part of their commitment to harness the potential of the skilled workforce that will play a pivotal role in Pakistan's continued success in the global textile market.