Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood has said business community plays a vital role in the economic development of the country.

Addressing the Lahore Chamber Achievement Awards 2021 ceremony in Islamabad on Monday evening, he said despite Covid-19 pandemic, economy is doing well due to prudent policies of the government. He said Pakistan's exports have reached to 25.3 billion dollars, while remittances and tax collection also witnessed a record increase. He said Pakistan Stock Exchange is also performing well.

Talking about professional training, Shafqat Mahmood said that a Skill Development Program has been launched at a cost of 10 billion rupees, while five million young people are being given high skilled training. He said that initial skill training is being provided to over 100,000 people. He said all these steps have been taken to provide the industry skilled workforce.

Shafqat Mahmood said the government has also established an Accreditation Council to provide accreditation to all the vocational institutions so that they can issue proper certification to their trainees.

The Minister also distributed awards among the leading businessmen and businesswomen of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.