ISLAMABAD: Japan will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at aceremony here on December 23 (Monday) for import of skilled Pakistanimanpower pertaining to 14 different sectors.
“The MoU will enable Pakistanis to work in 14 sectors of Japan, includingconstruction, information technology, nursing, manufacturing, engineeringand others,” Special Assistant to the Prime Minster on Overseas Pakistanisand Human Resource Development Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari said during anonline interactive session (Pakistan Se Rabta) with the expatriates here onFriday.
He said the ministry had already started sending skilled workforce to fewEuropean countries, including Romania and the United Kingdom.
“We are exploring new markets for export of manpower other than the MiddleEast,” he said while responding to the query of a Pakistani expatriate.
The ministry, he said, was in talks with Germany for the export ofPakistani manpower.
The German ambassador had assured him of opening a technical trainingcentre in Islamabad for imparting training to the youth at par with globalstandards.
Zulfikar Bukhari said the ministry was working out a digital mechanism toensure hassle-free process for intending emigrants in the protectorateoffices.
He said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had increased thepension of Employees Old-age Benefit Institution (EOBI) from Rs6,500 toRs8,500, which was a step towards building the country on the pattern ofState of Madina.
“We are intending to raise this amount up to Rs15,000 by the end of ourtenure (2023),” Bukhari said, adding reforms were being introduced in theEOBI to enhance its revenue for the welfare of pensioners.
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The SAPM said the ministry had managed to invigorate four EOBI megaprojects within first year of the PTI government, besides launching theconstruction work on two of them.
“Two projects, including Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) Tower, andCiniplex and Commercial Complex, will be leased out by February, 2020 togenerate additional revenues for EOBI pensioners,” he added.
At present, he said 18 projects worth billions of rupees were inlitigation, adding these legal issues would be resolved soon.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador Kuninori Matsuda met Sayed Zulfikar AbbasBukhari for a pre-discussion on the MoU to be signed on Monday.
According to the press release received here, both the dignitariesdiscussed a wide range of issues related to trade, tourism and manpower.
With reference to the MoU, the ambassador said Japan would build a network,in collaboration with language universities in Pakistan, and carry outthree to six months’ language proficiency course with e-learning facilitiesfor far flung areas so as to accommodate maximum number of Pakistanis towork in Japan.
