Turkish MSE model to help ‘alleviate poverty’

Experts say new technologies in the world favour small enterprises

FAISALABAD: The model of micro and small enterprises (MSE), which are playing pivotal role in socio-economic development and poverty alleviation in Turkey, could benefit Pakistan in eradicating unemployment.

This was said by University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Prof Iqbal Zafar as he held a meeting with Turkish Professor Mithat Direk from Selcuk University of Konya in Turkey, a press release issued on Tuesday stated.

While briefing Mithat Direk, the UAF vice-chancellor said university academicians were conducting various research projects and the Higher Education Commission was providing funds for social integration and outreach programmes to engage the youth in rural enterprises.

He added the UAF team organised seminars in six villages of three districts like Sheikhupura, Nankana and Faisalabad to share with them the success stories of the Turkish Model.

Unfolding his future plans at UAF, Turkish Scientist Mithat Direk said he will address a seminar on January 18 on self-sustaining rural enterprises to shed light on the Turkish MSE Model.

He added the government had created trademark villages to boost relevant industry and business in Turkey.

Describing the small enterprises as engines of economic growth, he said, “The MSE model has the potential to generate employment and to alleviate poverty in an environment of increasing unemployment and widening income inequality.”

While elaborating his views, he maintained that new technologies and restructuring of production processes in the world favour small enterprises in comparison with large enterprises, particularly since the late 1970s.

MoU inked

Meanwhile, the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Shangdong Vocational Animal Sciences and Veterinary College, China have inked a Memorundum of Understanding to strengthen ties in the area of academia and research.

The agreement was duly inked by UAF VC Iqbal Zafar and Chinese College Vice-President Dr Zhou Qinhu at the syndicate Room.

It was agreed that both varsities will promote integration of education and production. They also finalised establishing the animal and veterinary training centre.

As part of the MoU, teaching resources projects of mutual interest will be developed and multi-level vocational education and training will be carried out.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2018.