Islamabad : The National Productivity Organization (NPO), under the Ministry of Industries and Production, has launched a significant productivity enhancement initiative for the gloves manufacturing sector in Sialkot. Titled “Enhancing Operational Efficiency Through Lean Manufacturing Techniques,” the project aims to strengthen Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness and support key export-oriented sectors.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PGMEA) and with technical support from the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), Japan. As part of this project, an international productivity expert, Mr. George Wong from Singapore, has arrived in Sialkot to conduct on-site assessments and tailored consultancy sessions for selected beneficiary companies recommended by PGMEA.
The project adopts a phased approach, comprising face-to-face site visits, customized workshops, and follow-up technical sessions to ensure sustained improvements in operational efficiency. The NPO official highlighted that this intervention is specifically designed to introduce advanced Lean Manufacturing concepts to the local industry, aiming to reduce waste, optimize processes, and bolster global competitiveness.
“We are confident that this project will serve as a model for sector-specific productivity enhancement, enabling our manufacturers to meet stringent international quality and efficiency standards,” the official added. The project’s initial phase involves a five-day program in Sialkot, including individual diagnostics at company premises followed by a two-day joint workshop to build collective understanding of Lean tools.
Subsequent phases will involve online engagements and another round of on-ground technical sessions focusing on implementation. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the gloves manufacturing sector in Sialkot, enabling local manufacturers to improve their productivity, reduce costs, and increase their competitiveness in the global market.
During a meeting with Mr. Waseem Shahbaz Lodhi, Senior Vice President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and another meeting with Mr. Annas Raheel, Chairman PGMEA, both leaders expressed their appreciation for the collaborative efforts of NPO and APO in bringing international expertise to Pakistan’s doorstep. They emphasized that such initiatives are vital for sustaining export growth and reinforcing Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable supplier in the global gloves market.
The National Productivity Organization continues to work closely with sectoral associations, chambers, and international partners like APO to build a more resilient and competitive industrial landscape in Pakistan. This project reflects the government’s commitment to fostering productivity-led growth and supporting key export-oriented sectors.
The launch of this initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Pakistan’s gloves manufacturing sector. With the support of international experts and collaboration with local industry stakeholders, the project is expected to have a lasting impact on the sector’s growth and development.
By improving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing processes, the gloves manufacturing sector in Sialkot can increase its productivity, reduce costs, and improve its competitiveness in the global market. This, in turn, can lead to increased exports, economic growth, and job creation, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic development.
The NPO’s productivity enhancement initiative is a welcome development for the gloves manufacturing sector in Sialkot, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the sector’s growth and development. With the support of international partners and collaboration with local industry stakeholders, the project can help Pakistan’s gloves manufacturing sector to achieve its full potential and become a major player in the global market.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
