Agreement signed: ILO, Dutch govt to help revitalise labour inspection machinery

‘Improvement imperative to keep Pakistan’s textile sector attractive internationally’.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Embassy of Netherlands have embarked on a unique partnership aimed to support the government, workers and employers in developing measures to revitalise the country’s labour inspection machinery.

Such improvements are imperative to keep Pakistan’s textile sector attractive internationally, especially given the advantageous trade conditions offered to Pakistan under the GSP-plus, said a press release on Tuesday.

During a press briefing on the project here, acting Dutch ambassador Renate Pors stated “I am encouraged to see that the Pakistani authorities are conscious about what is at stake for the economy, for employment and for the rights of its citizens.

The Netherlands is contributing its share through this programme. And as a friend of Pakistan, we ask the Pakistani government, both federal and provincial, to assume its responsibilities, too.”

Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Federal Secretary Sikandar Ismail Khan highlighted that “labour inspection is one of the core functions of labour administration system and a key element for enduring the implementation of labour policies, providing feedback and allowing for readjustment of these policies as necessary.”

Responding to a question by a journalist, Khan said in the spirit devolution of the subject of labour after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the federal government was actively supporting all provincial governments in strengthening their labour administration system for ensuring well-being and economic development of the country.

ILO Country Director Francesco d’Ovidio said the project was designed to revitalise labour inspection system to enhance its effectiveness and outreach.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2015.