UNDP launches Suppliers Development Programme

  • September 29, 2016, 2:28 pm
  • National News
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QUETTA Sep 28 (PPI): United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan and Government of Balochistan launched the Suppliers Development Programme (SDP) in Quetta today. The overall objective is to improve stability in the province and promote economic development by providing technical assistance and support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in setting up and expanding their businesses.

According to details Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and UNDP Pakistan’s multidimensional poverty index, 71 percent of Balochistan’s population lives in multidimensional poverty. The SDP is part of UNDP’s larger Balochistan Economic Development Project which aims to boost economic development in the province by creating jobs, increasing SME competitiveness and nurturing young entrepreneurs. Pakistan is the first South Asian country to replicate the SDP model which is based on the assumption that marginalized groups, like youth and women, can play dynamic roles in building prosperous societies.

Tracy Vienings, Country Director, UNDP Pakistan said “SMEs are important employers of marginalized groups such as women and youth. They offer opportunities to people who may otherwise be excluded from the economic mainstream. From an economic and social perspective, building the capacity of SMEs is imperative for a prosperous future. The SDP initiative will generate employment and secure the future of skilled labour and young entrepreneurs in Balochistan”.

The SDP trains consultants to work with value chains comprising a leading company and 6–10 suppliers. They apply a specially designed methodology to improve supplier competitiveness to meet quality and quantity standards, and improved delivery times of products being supplied to lead companies. This low-cost model will eventually be permanently embedded into government and private sector entities.

Ikramul Haq , Joint Chief Economist , Planning and Development Department, Government of Balochistan added that addressing the weaknesses of individual SMEs will increase competitiveness at both the individual and sector level. He said the SDP would serve as an excellent tool for developing the private sector and will help reduce poverty and inequality in the long run.

Zulfiqar Durrani UNDP Balochistan Head and Nasir Hameed Deputy Secretary Industries and Commerce Balochistan also spoke on the occasion.

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