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Through jointly funded capacity building initiatives, the SME engaged in the food processing sector will have access to well developed, internationally recognised certificate courses covering thermal processing, food safety standards (HACCP), hygiene (sanitation and GMPs), cool chain management and operations, post-harvest activities, proper packaging techniques and risk management in production, and finance related topics.
Betterment of livelihoods
SLFPA Hony. Secretary Mervin Gonawela said that strengthening the food processing base with individuals trained in the skills associated with modern concepts will directly support the improvement of food processing companies in their respective business development and will also contribute to betterment of livelihoods of individuals.
He further mentioned that the multiplier effect of individuals becoming qualified for and gaining employment in the food sector will also directly and indirectly benefit the social and communal wellbeing especially in the less developed regions (secondary growth hubs) and Sri Lanka as a nation. In the process, SLFPA will strengthen its capacity as a sustainable training provider for the Food Sector resulting in long term benefits for the industry and the nation.
Members of SLFPA consists of all sizes of industry including manufactures of food ingredients, grocery products, confectionery and bakery products, frozen foods, fruit and vegetable based products and beverages.
Gonawela explained that SLFPA is continuously receiving input from Sri Lankan SME stakeholders, regulators and academics on the needs of the Sri Lankan food sector and it continues lobby with all the stakeholders.
Provide stimulus for transfer of technology and innovation
Attending to the formal signing event, GIZ SME Development Senior Advisor German Mueller said that “One of the key objectives of the SME Development Program is to provide stimulus for transfer of technology and innovation to SME in the country, especially in the less developed regions.
“Through this initiative, SMEs in the food processing sector will be exposed to knowledge, much needed technological advancements and safety standards that are considered as industry standards in many developed and transitional countries, which in return will be a value addition food processing sector in Sri Lanka”, Mueller said.
The official agreement was signed by GIZ SME Development Senior Advisor German Mueller, SLFPA President Hamilton Diaz and SLFPA Secretary Mervin Gonawela at the GIZ SME Development office, Colombo recently.
Cohesive policy framework
Founded in 1997 as an advocacy Group Sri Lanka Food Processors Association currently consists of over 140 member companies. Committed to development of the country’s processed food and beverage industry the Association consists of members from all relevant sub sectors addressing such issues as National Policy, Intra regional cooperation, Technology, Knowledge transfer and Marketing. The Group offers leadership to a small but vibrant National Processed Food Industry. Vital to the island nation’s Agro based economy the sector directly employs over three hundred thousand persons while supporting over four million back stream producers.
Through the Sri Lankan-German SME Development Program, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and Planning, GIZ aims to support a cohesive policy framework that enables SMEs to grow in an inclusive and eco-friendly manner, enhance competitiveness of SMEs due to technology transfer and innovation, improve access to finance for SMEs, and enable them to take advantage of green technologies and maintain nature’s capital for sustainable growth.
