logo
EVs: 2 German firms keen to train technicians in Pakistan

EVs: 2 German firms keen to train technicians in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Two German tech companies have expressed serious interest in providing technical training to Pakistani firms and developing electric vehicles (EVs)-related infrastructure in the country.
The development came during a meeting on EVs chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan with a special focus on EV skills training.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), two German companies namely, Lucas Nülle and the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) along with the officials from the Engineering Development Board (EDB).
The agenda focused on the urgent need to develop skilled technicians for the growing electric vehicle industry in Pakistan. Discussions were held on the current gap in skills required for EV maintenance and services, and how to address these challenges through international collaborations and structured training programmes.
Lucas Nülle and IMI expressed keen interest in partnering with NAVTTC to provide technical training in Pakistan aligned with international best practices.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasised that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif envisions the successful implementation of Pakistan's electric vehicle policy, which requires a strong foundation of skilled human resources. He added that once electric vehicles become in mainstream on Pakistani roads, there will be a substantial demand for professionals trained in EV maintenance and battery services. 'The development of a skilled workforce in this sector will create widespread employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the national economy.'
The SAPM further highlighted that all training models should be designed according to international standards to ensure global competitiveness.
He termed trained EV technicians as a national asset.
To move forward, Haroon Akhtar Khan directed the EDB and the Ministry of Industries and Production to work in close coordination with NAVTTC and the German companies to formulate a comprehensive training and implementation proposal.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Agricultural, industrial and mineral sectors: Significance of forming JVs with Chinahighlighted
Agricultural, industrial and mineral sectors: Significance of forming JVs with Chinahighlighted

Business Recorder

time10 minutes ago

  • Business Recorder

Agricultural, industrial and mineral sectors: Significance of forming JVs with Chinahighlighted

LAHORE: Khadim Hussain, an active member of the Founders Group, Board Member of Pakistan Stone Development Company, Senior Vice President of Ferozepur Road Board, and former Member of Lahore Chamber of Commerce, stated that Beijing has consistently proven to be a reliable, strategic, and strong investment partner for Pakistan. Unfortunately, Pakistan has not fully capitalized on these exceptional bilateral relations in the manner required for national development. He emphasized that Pakistan should focus on forming joint ventures with China in the agricultural, industrial, and mineral sectors to acquire modern technology. He added that if China's technical expertise and investment—already well established under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—are concentrated in these critical areas, the outcome will not only boost trade but may also redefine the direction of Pakistan's overall economic growth. Khadim Hussain further highlighted that China's global track record in enhancing operational capacity and implementing infrastructure projects is commendable, whereas Pakistan has not yet been able to achieve the full economic benefits of CPEC due to a lack of internal preparedness. He pointed out that CPEC's next phase is focused on industrial cooperation and sustainable development, and a renewed emphasis on agriculture and mineral resources could help transform the corridor into a truly multi-dimensional economic framework. For this to happen, Pakistan must concentrate on enhancing its domestic capacity, ensuring the path to sustainable economic growth and self-reliance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Dar, Iranian president discuss bilateral ties
Dar, Iranian president discuss bilateral ties

Business Recorder

time10 minutes ago

  • Business Recorder

Dar, Iranian president discuss bilateral ties

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar met with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday during the latter's official visit to Pakistan. In the meeting, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's deep commitment to its historic and brotherly relations with Iran, underscoring the strong foundations of the relationship rooted in shared history, cultural heritage, faith, and mutual respect, according to an official statement issued here. President Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for Pakistan's continued support and reiterated Iran's resolve to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. He also expressed optimism about holding meaningful discussions with Pakistani leadership aimed at further strengthening political and economic ties between the two neighbouring nations. Meanwhile, Dr addressed the Pakistan-Iran Business Forum, in the presence of President of Iran and the high-level accompanying delegation. Reaffirming the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran, the Dar underscored Pakistan's commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and regional connectivity. He welcomed the positive momentum toward finalizing the Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He emphasised that economic diplomacy is a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy. The Pak-Iran FTA and platforms like the Business Forum are vital for strengthening bilateral trade and promoting collaboration across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

3 policy decisions in the dock
3 policy decisions in the dock

Business Recorder

time10 minutes ago

  • Business Recorder

3 policy decisions in the dock

Three news items this week past should be a source of serious concern to the country's stakeholders: SBP's decision to purchase USD 8 billion from the open market to shore up reserves, the delay in utilising the secured 1.275 trillion rupee loans from commercial banks to retire the energy sector circular debt and the rising sugar prices. A report released by Arif Habib Limited on 29 July 2025 revealed that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had intervened in the open market to procure USD 7.2 billion – USD 885 million to strengthen foreign exchange reserves with the remaining amount used to service debt and/or to retire the principal as and when due. The rupee's external exchange rate is determined within the parameters of three major objectives. First, the difference between the interbank and the open market rate must not go beyond plus/minus 1.25 for five consecutive days as per the International Monetary Fund (IMF) condition — no doubt put in place after the flawed policy effective from October 2022 to nearly June 2023 to artificially control the interbank rate that led to multiple exchange rates resulting in the loss of USD 4 billion in remittance inflows through official channels. The country's reserves as a consequence of this flawed policy plummeted to under USD 3 billion. Second, any loss of the rupee value against the dollar raises the country's mark-up payments that constitute 50 percent of total current expenditure and 46 percent of total expenditure in the 2025-26 budget that, in turn, would raise the budget deficit with severe inflationary implications. It is relevant to note that the dollar performed poorly in the ongoing calendar year due to the prevailing geopolitical crises and threat (and the subsequent levy) of punitive tariffs on several countries including Pakistan (a disturbing 19 percent after a deal was secured) leading to its loss of value against all major currencies though the Pakistani rupee has miraculously remained resilient. The resilience required import restrictions and strengthening the foreign exchange reserves through open market purchases by the SBP though in spite of the interventions total reserves were USD 14,456.6 million on 18 July 2025 while one year roll-overs by friendly countries were at USD 16 billion — higher than the reserves by USD 1.5 billion. The SBP began intervening in the open market and picked up around USD 8 billion 2024-25 which as per Malik Bostan, chair of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, led to a dip in the supply of US dollars to legal channels given that better rates were available in the black market. The issue was resolved after Bostan led a delegation to meet the Director General of ISI that culminated in a well-targeted crackdown on currency smugglers, especially those operating routes in Afghanistan and Iran. This was confirmed by Bloomberg's report that while SBP has indicated it will continue to build its dollar stockpile, yet it would be at a slower pace so as to minimize undue pressure on the rupee. Of course, the question that begs an answer is why did not the SBP take this slower approach in the first instance and why did it allow matters to reach a stage that compelled the establishment to step in. Be that as it may, the rupee stabilized this week past. Third, the foreign exchange reserve position even though it strengthened subsequent to the SBP interventions was not adequate to allow for lifting of some administrative import restrictions or to clear dues of approximately 500 billion rupees (USD 1.72 billion at the interbank rate), of Chinese Independent Power Producers (IPPs), established under the umbrella of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains in abeyance. The strategy is explained as follows: total circular debt of 2.381 trillion rupees was to be nearly halved by borrowing 1.275 trillion rupees from 18 commercial banks (approved by the Fund, the first hurdle, as the discount rate had been halved since the proposal was first floated by the negotiator Muhammad Ali). This loan, secured after much wrangling with the banks, was to be repaid over six years via a debt service surcharge (DSS) of 3.23 rupees per unit, which is already included in electricity bills. IMF in the first review documents of the ongoing programme (uploaded May 2025) stipulated as a structural benchmark that: 'the DSS will be set at 10 percent of the Nepra-determined revenue requirement, adjusted each year at the time of annual rebasing, per current practice. In the event that DSS revenues fall short of the annual payment requirement, the DSS will be increased to make up for the shortfall and calibrated per any anticipated future shortfalls in the succeeding year.' In short, there is no cap on the DSS and therefore the general public can only hope that the government's projections are accurate. The remaining amount of the circular debt was to be generated from lower interest rate gains and revised Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The government succeeded in securing termination of five domestic IPPs (0.77 rupee per unit relief), revised eight bagasse power plants (0.14 rupee per unit relief) and shifted 14 IPPs to take and pay model (0.43 rupees per unit) however the Chinese IPPs have refused to renegotiate the PPAs thus stalling the implementation of this strategy. Again one may argue as to why these wrinkles had not been ironed out before seeking and securing the loan. And finally, the sugar price has skyrocketed yet again making this administration as unable to take appropriate decisions at the right time as its predecessors. The root cause of this recurring problem is as follows: (i) inaccurate information of sugar stocks provided to the Sugar Advisory Board, headed by the Minister for Food Security and Research (at present Rana Tanveer), but which includes representatives from politically extremely influential members of Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (with 80 plus members). Time and again one reads reports that the SAB decided to allow exports if there is surplus stock (with the proviso that the approval will be withdrawn if the price of sugar rises domestically) and approved an export subsidy if the international price of sugar was lower than the domestic price. Rana Tanveer recently stated that the answer to this recurring problem is to deregulate the industry and lift a long-standing ban on new sugar licences. Sadly, these decisions are unlikely to resolve the crisis this industry faces for two reasons: first and foremost, the industry does not operate under open market conditions, which requires a large enough number of both buyers and sellers to disable them from influencing price. The PSMA is a well-organized body that is also registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. And secondly, lifting the ban on new sugar licences will allow setting up mills in locations which may be detrimental to the farmers' interests. To conclude, it is critical for the SBP, the Power Division and the Ministry of Food Security to undertake policies after first thoroughly assessing the ground realities. And prior to implementing a decision, its pros and cons must be understood and mitigating measures put in place before proceeding with a flawed policy decision. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store