“Hospitality and tourism industry has immense potential for creating jobs and career opportunities for the youth of Pakistan” expressed Honorable Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education & Professional Training, Government of Pakistan, while speaking on the occasion of the Convocation Ceremony of COTHM Pakistan & Dubai organized at Islamabad Marriott Hotel.
Pakistan can develop its youth to become part of the workforce of hospitality and tourism industry in all regions of the world. The government, she said, is committed to promoting and developing the tourism and hospitality sector of Pakistan which can create millions of new opportunities of employment for the youth of Pakistan. She urged on the need and importance of professional and meaningful education which can lead the youngsters to the path of economic empowerment and social uplift. Tourism and hospitality sector is one of the most potent segments of our economy, she further remarked. She lauded the role of COTHM in developing qualified and skilled youth and promoting the hospitality and tourism sector of Pakistan.
Among other speakers, the Managing Director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Rana Aftab-ur-Rehman, highlighted the significance of tourism and hospitality sector in providing impetus to the economy of Pakistan. Being a labor intensive industry, he said, it can be capitalized for job creation for our youth.
The Chairman National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Syed Javed Hassan, emphasized on the employability through skill development. “The youthful population of Pakistan is one of its greatest assets. If provided quality training and skilled to be economically engaged they will significantly boost the national economy” he said.
Among the other dignitaries included His Excellency German Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Bernhard Schlagheck, Honorary Consul General of Cyprus in Pakistan, Mian Habib-Ullah, Mr. Masood M Khan, Hon. Consul General, Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania.
In his inaugural speech, the Founder & CEO of COTHM Pakistan & Dubai, Mr. Ahmad Shafiq, expressed his gratitude for the Chief Guest, Guests of Honor, the media and parents of the passing out students for their participation in the Convocation Ceremony. He congratulated the students on completing their important educational milestone and urged them to believe in the dignity of hard work. The hospitality and tourism sector, he said, can transform our economy and project a positive image of Pakistan across the world. The export potential of our qualified and skilled youth can play a vital role in strengthening our national exchequer through foreign remittances, he strongly remarked.
The chief guest of the Convocation Ceremony, Honorable Ms. Wajiha Qamar, awarded the qualifications to the successful graduates. The Convocation Ceremony ended with a vote of thanks for the audience.