Pakistan’s sports goods industry is set for a significant overhaul of its workforce training and quality control standards, following a high-level government consultation aimed at enhancing the sector’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.
The Ministry of Commerce convened a consultative session on Thursday with the Sectoral Council for Sports Goods to address the challenges hampering the industry. The meeting was chaired by Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce.
During the dialogue, participants reached a consensus to formulate a structured skill development programme. This initiative will be a collaborative effort involving universities, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), and the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) to align technical qualifications with contemporary industry requirements.
Officials also stressed the urgency of introducing third-party certification systems. The move is designed to bring local manufacturing processes in line with international quality benchmarks, a critical step for increasing export appeal.
Representatives from the sports goods sector voiced several pressing issues, including the need to streamline procedures under the Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL) scheme and improve access to the Export Finance Scheme (EFS). They also highlighted outdated technical training curricula and the absence of credible product certification mechanisms as major hurdles.
Mr. Khan emphasized the importance of institutionalizing monthly Sectoral Council meetings. He stated these regular gatherings would serve to track progress and ensure effective coordination between government bodies and industry stakeholders.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, the PM’s coordinator concluded that enhanced skill development, reliable quality assurance, and sustained stakeholder engagement are fundamental to unlocking the full export potential of Pakistan’s renowned sports goods industry.