SLSI, GIZ SME Development Program to empower SMEs at ‘Quality 2014’
Thursday, 27 November 2014 00:00
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Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) SME Development Program together with the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI), Sri Lanka Food Processors’ Association (SLFPA) and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) will be jointly hosting the SME Pavilion at the BMICH’s Hall C from 3-7 December 2014.
The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the SLSI. The SME Pavilion supports 50 regional SMEs to explore new markets and learn more about international certification. An additional group of 300 SMEs will participate in sessions outlining how to expand with standards certified and services offered by the SLSI.
Live demonstrations will cover the standard practices of different industries. The SME Pavilion will feature stalls of the SLSI, SLFPA, CCC as well as partner SMEs representing various sectors.
GIZ Senior Advisor German Müller explained: “The Sri Lankan-German SME Development Program supports inclusive growth of the SME sector island-wide, with a special focus on less developed regions, such as the North, East and Uva provinces. We work with national providers to help them offer improved and comprehensive services to SMEs in all national languages. When enterprises are enabled to introduce standards they can upgrade their business. This will provide access to new markets, locally and globally, resulting in a stronger economy for the entire country.”
GIZ’s cooperation with SLSI also covers the revision of the National Quality Policy (NQP), which is currently under way. The Ministry of Technology and Research (MoTR) is responsible for the NQP and has mandated SLSI to carry out the actual policy development process. GIZ is supporting this process by providing international expertise.
The Sri Lankan-German SME Development Program, implemented by GIZ in cooperation with Ministry of Finance and Planning (MoFP), aims to support a cohesive policy framework enabling SMEs to grow in an inclusive and eco-friendly manner.
Through a wide range of technical assistance, it helps enhance competitiveness of SMEs through technology transfer, innovation and improved access to finance. The program is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany.
