Public and private sector representatives from Pakistan came together at The University of Queensland (UQ) from 19 November to 7 December 2018 to learn about practical ideas, tools and approaches to initiate and maintain dialogue between the two sectors.
The Australia Awards Role of Government in Private Sector Development Pakistan Short Course was delivered by UQ’s International Development (ID) unit and led by Course Leaders The Honourable Paul Lucas and Mr John McEvoy.
“This course is about working with government officials to encourage them to look at better policy, and with private sector operators to see how they might align to the offerings of their country,” said Hon. Paul Lucas.
The group comprised of government officials, civil servants and entrepreneurs who were keen to learn about the relationship between the Federal, State and Local governments and the private sector, in particular small to medium enterprises focussed on the agricultural sector.
They were introduced to a number of policies, regulations and initiatives which have been implemented in Australia, looking at both successful and unsuccessful case studies. These learnings will assist them in working in partnership on key economic development objectives for Pakistan.
The participants met with stakeholders from peak industry bodies, farmers, financiers, local and state government officials and representative organisations to understand the different perspectives and the roles they play in public and private partnerships. Site visits were also conducted to regional areas including the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba and Scenic Rim.
The twenty Australia Award participants will utilise the knowledge and skills gained from the course to develop and implement a Return to Work Plan appropriate to their work context in Pakistan.
The third and final component of the course will be delivered in February 2019 in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The Australia Awards, funded by the Australian Government and managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, offer emerging global leaders study, research and professional development opportunities in Australia, and high-achieving Australians similar experiences overseas.
The Australian Government supports the Government of Pakistan to promote private sector development through a number of programs including the Market Development Facility (MDF) in Punjab; Australian Assistance with Agricultural Development in Balochistan Border Areas (AusABBA); and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research’s Australia Pakistan Agriculture Sector Linkages in Punjab and Sindh.
Media: Dr Greta Nabbs-Keller, Manager, International Development, g.nabbskeller@uq.edu.au +61 428 420 904
UQ International Development
We are one of the leading university development groups in the Asia-Pacific region. Our unit provides development expertise and program management leadership to help build the capacity of people and organisations around the world to achieve their development goals.