WAZIRABAD-European Union Ambassador Jean Francois Cuatain stressed a need for utilising new technology and latest machinery in the cutler sector which has potential to grab the world and European markets.

Addressing the cutlery manufacturers after inaugurating a polishing unit installed by European Union at on GT Road Wazirabad, he said Wazirabad will be linked up with the world after it starts utilising new technology in cutlery sector.

He stressed improving quality, standard of packing, proper training of work force in the sector. Mr Jean Francois said, “European Union has intention to introduce new technology in industrial sector of Asia to attach it with the whole world because rest of the world has equal right to be benefited with new technology and its related machinery”.

He added that cutlery products including knives, fork and spoon have handsome access in European market and can have due rates.

 The cutlery sector may have access to world and European markets due to cheap labour, he said and added that European Union will provide all sorts of cooperation to bring change.

Our cooperation will be for up-gradation of technology, betterment in social environment, access of cutlery products in international market, training of work force, improvement in quality and brand making. Packing quality and utilisation of work force to attach Wazirabad cutlery sector with the rest of the world and European Union,” he said.

After acquiring the latest technology and improvement in productivity and access to the market, the sector may generate new jobs and improve economic condition of common man in the respective region, he added. He stressed the government should focus on cutlery sector for up-gradation in machinery and introduce new technology and provide funds to the sector.

NPO Pakistan CEO Mr Abdul Ghaffar Khattak; UNIDO representative in Pakistan Mr Esam Alqararah; and Programme Manager Badar Islam  were also present on the occasion while Special security arrangement  were made  by the police  and other security agencies.

Ghaffar stated that cutlery manufacturers should go on internet marketing side by side traditional marketing to accommodate online buyers.  Earlier, Pakistan Cutlery Manufacturers and Exporters Association Chairman Mr Khalid Mughal, in his welcome address, highlighted the history of cutlery sector of Wazirabad and stated,” We are trying to replicate and upscale this intervention in collaboration with government and donor agencies.”

He congratulated the team of TRTA II Programme on achieving the milestone in the cutlery sector. He added that 500 cutlery manufacturing SNEs in and around the cutlery city provide employments to more than 25,000 skilled and non skilled workers.

Cutlery sector is facing poor compliance of social standard, shortage of work force in polishing system and disadvantages in the market of EU and US, he added. He further added that the problems faced by cutlery sector can be solved by adopting latest technology especially in polishing and grinding section.