Islamabad: Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) alongwith his delegation paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed the Director General International Labour Organization while appreciating the robust cooperation between Pakistan and the ILO.
The Premier stated that Pakistan values its promising partnership with the ILO, especially in the context of creating opportunities of productive employment for skilled labour and for our youth.
The Prime Minister in particular reiterated the need to have greater facilitation by the ILO with regard to international certification and professional training of Pakistan's skilled labour in line with the standards of international labour market.
The Prime Minister said that in line with International Covenants, the Government is taking effective measures for welfare, protection and professional progression of the national labour force. The Premier highlighted that to enhance industrial growth and productivity and competitiveness of our labour market, the Government has reinvigorated Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) SMEDA. The Prime Minister emphasized that greater collaboration and constructive engagement with ILO has the potential to further strengthen SMEDA's initiatives.
Director General, International Labour Organization Gilbert F. Houngbo extended his profound gratitude to the Prime Minister for the meeting. The Director General expressed eagerness to work with Pakistan in a joint endeavor for protection, progression and prosperity of Pakistan's labour force.
The Director General also appreciated the positive coordination between the ILO and Federal Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. Gilbert F. Houngbo further reaffirmed ILO's continued collaboration with the government, employers and workers in Pakistan for cohesive progress of the labour force and industrial development.
The Director General ILO was accompanied by senior advisor Ms. Hitomi Nakagome, and Director ILO country office for Pakistan Mr. Gier Thomas Tonsil.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Ch. Salik Hussain, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Syed Tariq Fatemi, Acting Foreign Secretary Nabeel Munir, President Employers Foundation of Pakistan Majyd Aziz, Deputy Member( Workers) ILO governing body Muhammad Saad and senior government officials attended the meeting.