Development conference: Focus on human resources, says experts

Importance of looking within rather than relying on foreign assistance stressed.


Our Correspondent January 23, 2012

ISLAMABAD:


Despite financial constraints, Pakistan has all the potential to make technological strides if its vast human and material resources are tapped through effective project management.


This view was shared by a range of experts at a conference organised by the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (Szabist) on ‘Project Management Practices in Emerging Markets’, held at Islamabad Club on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Huawei Technologies Pakistan Chief Operating Officer Zhou Guanrengan said China’s secret to rapid development lay in valuing and harnessing its internal human resources to drive economic growth.

He urged Pakistanis to follow the Chinese model by effectively using its human resources which “can help bridge the lack of financial resources that is dragging down overall advancement”. Zhou added that his country will share its expertise, experiences and resources to accelerate Pakistan’s pace of progress, especially in telecommunications.

Alcatel-Lucent Pakistan Chief Operating Officer Aadil Rauf echoed the thoughts of his Chinese counterpart, stating that a clear management strategy would help streamline Pakistan’s financial woes.

He lamented the country’s heavy reliance on foreign assistance and warned that Pakistan could not compete in technological advancement until it exploits its untapped human resources. “A project management plan clearly defines goals and the modus operandi to achieve them, thus saving time, finances and resources that are otherwise wasted,” he added.

Pakistan Peoples’ Party Member of the National Assembly Nasir Ali Shah added that “apart from financial human resources or project management, one thing of paramount importance is the commitment of people to their jobs”.

Szabist Director Asad Hussain stated that on realising the importance of project management, Szabist introduced two postgraduate programmes aimed specifically at the subject. “This will help students to deliver in their respective fields more effectively,” Hussain added.

SysComp International Chief Executive Officer Sohail Iqbal and Descon Integrated Projects Limited Project Management Office System In-charge Ahsan Maqbool were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd,  2012.

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