Efforts on to boost Sindh SMEs competitiveness

Multi-stakeholders consultations held to chalk out strategy

KARACHI:

The Sindh Department of Industries and Commerce (DoIC), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), is holding multi-stakeholder consultations in Karachi from November 1 to 3, 2021 as part of provincial government's efforts to design Sindh's first-ever Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) competitiveness strategy.

The consultations are meant to chalk out strategy, where SMEs from agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors come together to assess performance in key economic sectors and ultimately contribute to prioritised areas.

Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Vice President, Abdul Rehman Naqi, attending the event, said, ''A provincial strategy focused on building an enabling ecosystem for SMEs growth, innovation and regional competitiveness is the need of the hour. We are pleased that the government of Sindh is actively seeking to enable the development of SMEs as drivers of employment and value addition for the province. ''

Currently there are 1,000,000 SMEs in Sindh and their contribution to the GDP is 30 per cent.

By considering the quantitative and qualitative findings on the challenges and opportunities for the sector, a holistic strategy will ensure SMEs receive better support and services to expand their business and create inclusive growth by enabling youth and women to be active in the work force.

Read More: ‘Centre wants to work with stakeholders for Sindh’s development’

Sinch Chief Secretary (Acting), Qazi Shahid Pervez said, 'Growing contribution of SMEs to the provincial economy, including job creation and value creation cannot be denied.

"While our government is implementing initiatives to provide conducive business environment to SMEs, this competitiveness strategy for SMEs will be a key driver for our established and emerging industries to be more competitive globally.''

The objective is to develop a set of advantageous ecosystems to strengthen and modernise SMEs in Sindh. 

The development of the provincial SME Competitiveness Strategy is supported by the Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) project, an initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by ITC, working to uplift the business environment in Sindh and Balochistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2021.