**National Productivity Organization Launches Productivity Enhancement Drive for Sialkot’s Gloves Industry**
In a major step to boost Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness, the National Productivity Organization (NPO), operating under the Ministry of Industries and Production, has introduced a targeted productivity enhancement initiative tailored for Sialkot’s renowned gloves manufacturing sector. This program, titled “Enhancing Operational Efficiency Through Lean Manufacturing Techniques,” is being carried out in partnership with the Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PGMEA) and with technical assistance from the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) of Japan.
As part of the project, international productivity expert Mr. George Wong from Singapore has arrived in Sialkot to lead a series of on-site assessments and provide specialized consultancy sessions to local companies selected by PGMEA. The initiative is structured in phases, beginning with direct site visits and company-specific diagnostics, followed by a collaborative two-day workshop designed to familiarize participants with advanced Lean Manufacturing tools. Further stages will include online consultations and another round of on-ground technical sessions focused on the practical implementation of operational improvements.
According to NPO officials, this intervention aims to introduce modern Lean Manufacturing concepts to the local industry, with a focus on reducing waste, streamlining processes, and enhancing the sector’s global competitiveness. NPO representatives expressed confidence that the initiative will serve as a model for similar sector-specific productivity drives across Pakistan, helping manufacturers meet stringent international quality and efficiency benchmarks.
The launch was met with strong support from industry leaders. During meetings with Mr. Waseem Shahbaz Lodhi, Senior Vice President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Mr. Annas Raheel, Chairman of PGMEA, both leaders commended the collaborative efforts of NPO and APO in bringing international best practices to Pakistan. They emphasized the significance of such initiatives in sustaining export growth and reaffirming Pakistan’s position as a dependable supplier in the global gloves market.
The NPO continues to collaborate closely with industry associations, chambers, and international partners like APO to nurture a more resilient and competitive industrial sector in Pakistan. This project highlights the government’s commitment to fostering productivity-driven growth, especially within key export-oriented industries.
