ISLAMABAD, April 26: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that the government is re-orienting the education system to enhance skills development, productivity and employment and meet the challenge of competitiveness posed by technological advancement.

Talking to International Labour Organization Employment Sector Executive Director Jose Emanuel Salazar, at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday, he said the government had established the National Technical and Vocational Training Authority to bridge the skills gap.

The prime minister said the expenditure on education had been increased from Rs56 billion in 2000-1 to Rs120 billion in 2005-6.

He said the government had been implementing plans to increase vocational and technical training facilities.

“The ILO can work as a catalyst to change the mindsets for better productivity and growth,” he said.

The prime minister said the countries which prepared for globalisation were benefiting from the opportunities it had unleashed.

He said the government’s reforms agenda focused on competitiveness, openness and improving governance.

He said six new engineering universities are being set up in the country.

“The government is pursuing upgradation of industry and absorption of the revolution in technology, and seeking expansion of value-added sector,” the prime minister said.

He said that in addition to developing infrastructure the government was working to bring a change in the outlook and thought process and on increasing professionalism in the entrepreneurs and workers, which was important for rapid industrial development.

He said: “It is imperative for the workers of today and tomorrow to continuously polish their skills and adopt a professional approach to work.”—APP