RAWALPINDI, Jan 24: The Engineering Development Board (EDB) is seeking technical assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for three projects in the engineering sector.

In this regard, concept papers on Common Facility Centre (CFC) at Okara, Pakistan Iron and Steel Institute (PIASI) and the development of agricultural machinery and implement sector were discussed by EDB officials with a team of JICA in Islamabad on Saturday.

The EDB officials requested JICA team to provide services of experts to formulate these projects on solid grounds, an EDB announcement said.

Mohsin Syed, Chairman of the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (Tevta) and Director of the National Industrial Parks Development and Management Company (NIP) gave a detailed presentation on the establishment of Common Facility Centre at Okara, while Asif Sharif, a progressive farmer and producer of agricultural machinery and implements presented the sectoral overview.

The EDB General Manager (Steel), S. M. Adil Shah, in his presentation highlighted the available capacity, per capita consumption of steel in the country and background as well as objectives for the establishment of Pakistan Iron and Steel Institute (PIASI).

The Chief Executive Officer of EDB, Asad Elahi, in his opening remarks said that the board was a facilitator to the industry. It is working for capacity building of different segments of engineering industry by enhancing training facility and assisting the industry in upgrading of their skills for improved working. Mid-term plan for entry of the engineering industry in international markets was also formulated, he added.

Mr Elahi said that the board was concentrating on development of steel, electronics, foundry, agricultural implements and electrical machinery sectors and JICA’s assistance could help the board in improving the growth of engineering industry.

The meeting was attended by Nobuhiro Kanatani, Representative of JICA, Haroon-ur-Rahsid Rana, Senior Programme Officer, Head of Training Affairs and officials of Ministry of Industries and Production and EDB.