Pakistan and EU Discuss EV Skills Development Partnership
Pakistan is advancing efforts to build its electric vehicle (EV) industry with exploratory talks underway to partner with the European Union (EU) on developing EV-related technical skills. This initiative aims to prepare the local workforce to support the country’s growing EV market and ambitious adoption targets.
Collaboration to Enhance EV Workforce Training
On October 13, a delegation from the EU met with Haroon Akhtar Khan, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, in Islamabad to deliberate on potential cooperation strategies. The discussions centered on specialized technical training, workforce development, and boosting industrial cooperation to facilitate Pakistan’s transition to electric mobility.
Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted that Pakistan intends to increase the share of electric vehicles to 30% of the market by 2030. However, he emphasized that merely introducing new EV models will not suffice; the country also needs a pool of trained engineers and technicians, alongside robust supply chains and infrastructure to support EV manufacturing and servicing.
Addressing Skills Gaps Amid Market Growth
With an influx of new entrants in Pakistan’s EV sector, demand for professionals skilled in electric motors, battery technology, and charging systems is expected to climb. The government has assigned the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to collaborate with the EU and identify practical avenues for joint efforts. Besides, Secretary of Industries and Production, Ihsan Ali Mangi, underscored the necessity for synergy among educational bodies, government institutions, and automakers to bridge existing skill shortages.
Though the EU showed interest in the potential partnership, no formal agreements or funding measures were finalized during the meeting, underlining that discussions remain at an exploratory level.
New Auto Policy and Future Prospects
The talks precede the anticipated launch of Pakistan’s new automotive policy, expected shortly, which will prominently feature provisions supporting electric vehicles and industry development. Additionally, work is ongoing on a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Policy aimed at promoting cleaner energy technologies.
Increasing EV adoption in Pakistan is viewed as a strategic move to reduce reliance on costly petroleum imports while fostering local manufacturing capabilities and creating job opportunities.
Why This Partnership Matters for Pakistan
As Pakistan’s electric vehicle market expands, the availability of skilled technicians capable of handling complex EV systems—such as high-voltage batteries and electric drivetrains—is crucial. Without adequate training frameworks, maintenance services could face challenges, potentially increasing costs and diminishing consumer confidence.
A cooperative framework with the EU could help establish standardized technical education, facilitate expertise exchange, and address workforce demands to ensure sustainable growth of Pakistan’s EV ecosystem.
