Auto part manufacturers: Training programme enters second stage

20 companies trained in adopting best practices, efficient production techniques

KARACHI: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) have completed the first term of their three-year technical support programme for Pakistan’s automotive part manufacturers.

Titled Paapam Skill Development Programme, the three-year programme was carried out for 20 auto part manufacturers under the umbrella of Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (Paapam), an association of over 278 tier-one auto part makers.

The programme was designed to impart knowledge and training regarding adoption of best industrial practices, increasing efficiency of machinery and labour and enhancing production capacity with current resources.

Companies included in the programme are now eligible to train other members by transferring knowledge, according to a statement issued by Paapam. Paapam Chairman Mashood Ali Khan said the programme was crucial for auto part makers as it would increase their efficiency and productivity while encouraging Jica and Smeda to extend the project beyond the three terms so that more vendors could be upgraded.

Jica experts will select an additional 30 vendors under the ongoing technical training programme to enhance the capacity of auto part manufacturers.

A ceremony was recently organised to recognise the successful organisations and market the second term of the programme. Jica team leader Hiroshi Kaneki, Smeda CEO Fuad Hashim Rabbani and Smeda Deputy General Manager Ashfaq Ahmed participated in the ceremony.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2017.

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