Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the government is taking priority measures to equip Pakistan's workforce with skills and training of the international standards.

He was talking to a seven-member delegation of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants led by its Global Chief Executive Helen Brand in Islamabad today (Wednesday).

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is fortunate to be blessed with a young and talented workforce, and government is endeavouring to enable them harness their potential. He said improving governance and equipping the country's young workforce are government's top most priorities. He added third-party validation is a core component of every public sector project to improve transparency and governance.

The Prime Minister said improvement in Pakistan's rating by Fitch is welcoming, but we have to work harder.

He said the association can play an effective role in providing professional training to Pakistani workforce to enhance their global competitiveness.

He said the government will support any such efforts by the Association aimed at improving efficiency of government institutions.

The Prime Minister directed the relevant authorities to increase cooperation with the Association and carve out future course of action.

On the occasion, the delegation briefed the Prime Minister about the Association's role in the development of Pakistan's economy. It mentioned the 13,000 members of ACCA from Pakistan making the country proud internationally by rendering their services in different fields.

The delegation expressed its desire for full cooperation in Pakistan's green economy transformation plan.

It also highlighted some fields where it is keen to work with Pakistan including climate change, increasing government revenues, transparency in the system and increasing capacity, innovation in accountancy and audit and outsourcing of services in the corporate sector.

The delegation appreciated the government's achievements in developing Pakistan's economy under the leadership of the Prime Minister.