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Pakistan and the European Union are exploring cooperation in electric vehicle (EV) training and skills development as the country prepares to expand its electric mobility industry.
Advisor to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan discussed possible collaboration with an EU delegation during a meeting in Islamabad on October 13. The talks focused on technical training, workforce development, and building local capabilities to support the shift towards electric vehicles.
Khan said Pakistan aims to increase the share of electric vehicles to 30% by 2030, but meeting the target would require more than bringing new vehicles into the market. The country would also need trained technicians, engineers, local suppliers, and an industry capable of supporting new technologies.
With several companies entering Pakistan’s EV market, the advisor said demand for qualified professionals was growing. Developing these skills could create employment opportunities for young Pakistanis while strengthening domestic vehicle production and technology adoption.
New Auto Policy and Battery Storage Framework in the Works
The advisor said the government’s forthcoming Auto Policy, expected in the coming weeks, would give particular attention to electric vehicles and the broader automotive industry. Work is also underway on a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) policy to support cleaner-energy technologies.
He argued that Pakistan could not afford to miss the opportunities presented by the global EV transition, having previously fallen behind during earlier shifts in the automotive industry.
Greater adoption of electric vehicles could help reduce Pakistan’s oil import bill and encourage local manufacturing, he said. However, achieving those benefits would depend on developing a skilled workforce, reliable supply chains, and domestic industrial capacity.
EDB to Identify Areas for Cooperation With EU
Khan directed the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to engage with the EU delegation and identify practical areas for cooperation in EV training, skills development, and capacity building.
Secretary of Industries and Production Ihsan Ali Mangi stressed the need for training programs that reflect the automotive industry’s changing requirements. He said coordination between government institutions, businesses, and international partners could help identify skills shortages and improve technical training standards.
Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ihsan Afzal also highlighted the importance of equipping young people with skills relevant to electric mobility and clean-energy technologies.
The EU delegation expressed interest in exploring cooperation, although no specific training program, funding commitment, or implementation schedule was announced.
The discussions indicate a growing policy focus on building the workforce required for Pakistan’s EV ambitions, alongside efforts to attract investment and develop the local automotive ecosystem.
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