PESHAWAR: The German Investment and Development Bank (GIDB) is keen to establish two training centers focused on solar energy and micro-hydel technology at the Government College of Technology (GCT) in Peshawar and the Government College in Swat.
These projects have already received approval from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) and are backed by a grant of Rs. 74.70 million, which will enable hands-on training for 450 youth annually.
A joint meeting was held to discuss these initiatives, co-chaired by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Industries and Commerce, Abdul Karim Tordher, and Special Assistant on Technical Education, Tufail Anjum.
The meeting was attended by GIDB representatives, including Head of Division Ms. Esther Gravenkotter, as well as KP Industries Secretary Aamir Aafaq, Special Secretary Anwar Khan, and Managing Director of the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), Mansoor Qaiser, among others.
During the meeting, the participants discussed various projects in Pakistan, particularly the establishment of renewable energy training centers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the progression and completion of different project phases.
Special Assistant Abdul Karim Khan and Secretary Aafaq expressed their appreciation for the financial support from Germany and KFW, highlighting the importance of this cooperation for advancing technology transfer and enhancing technical education in the province. They assured the German representatives of the provincial government’s full cooperation in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
They also requested the GIDB’s assistance in additional areas, such as teaching the German language, providing skills training for youth, and establishing micro-hydel projects on canals, along with recommendations for future collaboration.
The officials expressed optimism about the ongoing partnership between the German institute and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, anticipating continued German support for the development of technical education and vocational training in the region.
