**NPO Launches Initiative to Boost Productivity in Sialkot’s Gloves Manufacturing Sector**
The National Productivity Organization (NPO), operating under Pakistan’s Ministry of Industries and Production, has launched a major initiative aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Sialkot’s gloves manufacturing sector. The project, undertaken in collaboration with the Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PGMEA) and supported technically by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) of Japan, seeks to introduce advanced Lean Manufacturing techniques to local manufacturers, with the ultimate goal of increasing the industry’s global competitiveness.
Central to the initiative is the involvement of international productivity expert Mr. George Wong from Singapore, who is conducting on-site assessments and tailored consultancy sessions for selected glove manufacturers in Sialkot. Companies participating in the project were identified with input from PGMEA, ensuring industry-specific relevance and impact. The intervention is structured as a phased program, beginning with face-to-face site visits and individual diagnostics, followed by a joint workshop to build a collective understanding of Lean Manufacturing tools among participants. Later phases will include online engagements and additional on-ground technical sessions to support the implementation of efficiency-enhancing measures.
According to an NPO official, the program is specifically designed to help Sialkot’s glove manufacturers reduce operational waste, optimize production processes, and better align with international quality standards. The official expressed confidence that the project would establish a model for sector-focused productivity improvement, ultimately enabling local manufacturers to remain competitive in global markets.
The initiative has been met with strong support from industry leadership. In 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 NPO and APO for facilitating access to international expertise. They emphasized that such efforts are essential for driving export growth and maintaining Pakistan’s standing as a reliable source of high-quality gloves worldwide.
This productivity enhancement initiative underscores the government’s broader commitment to fostering industrial growth and supporting key export-oriented sectors. By working closely with sectoral associations, chambers of commerce, and international partners, the NPO aims to build a more resilient and competitive industrial landscape in Pakistan.
