ISLAMABAD, Nov 6: The information technology ministry is providing technical and financial assistance to the National College of the Arts (NCA) to train over 3,000 professionals in the field of computer graphics and animation.

This was said by Information Technology Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari while speaking at an inaugural ceremony of a six- month certificate course in animation and digital film production held at the National College of the Arts on Saturday, says a press release.

The minister underscored the increasing role of computer generated graphics in the promotion and modernization of film industry.

"There is more money being spent worldwide on the gaming industry than on the global music industry, with animation revenues in excess of $70 billion last year," he said.

The NCA will utilize the services of foreign trainers and will also benefit from the expertise of local artists and authors to prepare students for careers in the animation industry.

Highlighting the role of computer animation and graphics in the film industry, the minister said the percentage of film budgets spent on animation and special effects had increased over the last decade.

"Not only are more animated films being released, but computer graphics, as part of film-making, is becoming a critical element," he said, adding that "computer graphics will rank among the top 10 careers of choice in the coming decades".

The minister also elaborated upon various measures being taken by the Pakistan Software Export Board in the area of animation. A delegation, comprising representatives of various companies, would be taken to South Korea to work with leading computer graphics companies in Seoul, he added.

Mr Leghari said an apprenticeship scheme had also been started by the board to enable smaller companies to hire apprentices and train them on government expense for four months.

Leading Pakistani graphic artists, who had worked on international projects abroad, had been invited to visit Pakistan and conduct short-term training for professionals.