UNIDO to focus on SMEs for sustainable development

During his first visit in 12 years, DG UNIDO discusses strategies to support projects.

ISLAMABAD: UNIDO will continue to work for inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Pakistan with major focus on SMEs, said United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Director General Li Yong while addressing the project beneficiaries and business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

He visited the chamber to get input from SMEs for developing strategies to support project which could enhance inclusive, sustainable and environmental friendly growth. “UNIDO is looking for partners to do something significant for economic growth and prosperity of Pakistan.”

He said UNIDO wanted to work with Chambers of Commerce for SMEs development through technical assistance in value addition and capacity building initiatives and that he would explore financing possibilities for the projects highlighted at the occasion.

At the occasion, small exhibition of fans, cutlery products, mangoes, protective gear, Kino, surgical instruments, handicrafts, marble products, jewellery products, biogas plant and Cleantech innovations was put up for display.

In his welcome address, Muzzamil Hussain Sabri, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry appreciated the role UNIDO for supporting small businesses & export oriented industries and promoting energy efficient systems & clean technologies in Pakistan.

He said ICCI was planning to establish a National Inquiry Point that will help in forecasting business opportunities in agro-based and manufacturing sectors and sought the cooperation of UNIDO in its establishment.

M. Shakeel Munir, Senior Vice President ICCI highlighted the export potential of marble sector in Pakistan and solicited the cooperation of UNIDO for establishment of Common Facilitation and Training Centre (CFTC) in Islamabad.

The UNIDO projects beneficiaries and representatives of Gujranwala & Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, Tannery Associations of Karachi, Kasur & Sialkot, Fans Manufacturers Association of Gujranwala, Alrafique Enterprises Sargodha, KDC Boards, Mango Growers Consortium Sargodha and Surgical Instrument Manufacturers Association of Pakistan highlighted various projects including combined treatment plants, biogas and biomass projects and requested that UNIDO should assist in tapping foreign grants for completion of these projects. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2015.

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