LAHORE, Oct 7: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed the Task Force on Industrial Development to submit its recommendations on the development of cottage and small industries within 10 days.

The chief minister issued the directive after a briefing by Task Force Chairman Yawar Irfan Khan about the measures being taken for the development of the cottage industry in Punjab, here on Tuesday. He directed the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) to play a role in this regard and asked the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (Tevta) to pay attention to the promotion of vocational training to produce skilled workforce for the industry.

Sharif directed the secretary for industries to take steps to give Forests Department land for a vocational institute in Rawalpindi. He said PSIC would have to work with a renewed zeal for the development of the cottage industry in Punjab.

He ordered induction of highly qualified professionals into the PSIC board for improvement in its performance. He said PSIC should conduct a survey for the promotion of the small industry in the province.

The chief minister said a committee would be formed for the provision of soft term loans. He asked the task force to set annual targets for the development of the cottage industry and small and medium enterprise.