USAID proposes Opportunity Zones in southern Punjab districts

[Naveed Yaseen]

By Jawwad Rizvi
The USAID has proposed to establish the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) in the southern Punjabís five districts on the recommended pattern of the NWFP.

The proposal was made by the USAID representatives in a meeting held here with the Planning and Development Board (P&D), Punjab, for projects of jobs, entrepreneurship, firms, trade and energy efficiency in the selected five districts, Multan, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Rajan Pur and D G Khan0.

The representatives of the USAID in a long briefing to the Punjab chief secretary, the P&D chairman, the Industries secretary and other officials concerned, presented the outlook of their projects in the province. The USAID also mentioned to support the Punjab government with $250 million for these projects.

Amy Ramm gave presentation on Jobs project, Helen Loftin on Entrepreneurship project, Stephen Wade on Firms project, Rodrigo Ortiz on Trade project and Hussain Babur on Energy Efficiency and Capacity project and Energy Policy project.

For jobs project, it was highlighted that women and the youth were not in job market while the government did not facilitate the labor market as much as it could do.

Similarly, private sector faced shortage of skilled labor. The program would be launched in accordance with the private sector demand. The capacity building of the labor would be made in such a way that they are flexible in their skills in accordance of the demand changes. Integrated work and learning programs for the youth would be started in these projects and employability skills training would be given to them.

On Entrepreneurs project, Helen Loftin mentioned that the basic objective of the project was to double the income of micro entrepreneurs by linking them to higher value markets. It was mentioned that the Pakistani private, public and non profit organization facilitated the provisions of services to micro entrepreneurs that linked them to better markets.

However, this sector faces the challenges of lack of mobility, lack of access of market information, no collective voice from any plate forum, lack of quality awareness, limited access to the finances and instability. To resolve these challenges, it was purposed that the appropriate culturally interventions would be introduced there, concentrated and sustained marketing efforts by providing latest marketing information would be made. Appropriate technologies and services would be introduced along with integrated microfinance services. The clusters for dairy, embellished, fabrics, pottery, dried fruits and carpets would be established there. There would be permanent family-friendly Artisans Bazaars to showcase Punjabi and national handmade crafts and cultural heritage in an innovative facility that is a fusion of traditional and contemporary art.

Stephen Wade in Firms project mentioned the basic objective was to develop a dynamic, internationally competitive business sector in Pakistan by increasing export, employing more people and producing higher value-added products and services. The private sector development, business development services, and business enabling environment was discussed in Firms project.

Rodrigo Ortiz in its presentation on Trade project mentioned that women were underrepresented in paid workforce of Pakistan while its exports were not diversified as 63 per cent was textile and apparel products. It was mentioned under Trade project it would improve Pakistan trade environment, increased trade at border, and support ROZs.

Hussain Babur in the presentation of energy efficiency and capacity project and energy policy project mentioned that there was need to understand energy needs and its usage pattern. The project activities in Punjab were also presented.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=196234