Pakistan ranks 3rd in govt support for SMEs
Survey reveals many enterprises were facing cash flow, raw material shortage
LAHORE:
Pakistan ranks third in terms of support provided by the government to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to mitigate the impact of Covid-19, revealed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) on Tuesday.
According to a survey titled “Impact of Covid-19 on SMEs”, which was conducted online by Smeda, Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) and Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), a majority of the enterprises in Pakistan were facing cash flow (82%) and raw material (65%) shortage.
However, 11.44% of SMEs expect their sales revenue to increase as compared to 2019, while 12.29% of respondent enterprises expect their sales revenue to remain the same.
The “Impact of COVID-19 on SMEs” survey, conducted jointly by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), Asian Development Bank Institute
APO to mark diamond jubilee
Business
January 21, 2021
ISLAMABAD: The Tokyo-based Asian Productivity Organization (APO) will mark its diamond jubilee through a virtual launch on today (January 21, 2021), a statement said on Wednesday.
Pakistan being one of the eight founding members will also host an APO 60th anniversary commemorative event in July 2021. All the events consist of international conferences, forums, and concurrent side programs and will produce anniversary publications, and videos.
Several declarations and statements will be aimed as the outputs of the programs. The launch marks the beginning of a year-long tribute to the 60-year productivity journey in Asia, showcasing productivity as a key enabler for the Asia-Pacific region, past, present, and future.
Govt sets target to improve industrial productivity
Industries minister says in discussion with regional experts
People are working at a denim factory in Chattogram. The government aims to improve productivity in industries, agriculture and services sectors. Photo: Star/file Star Business Report Star Business Report
The government targets to improve productivity in all industrial sectors to 5.6 per cent from the existing 3.8 per cent within the next 10 years, said Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun yesterday.
The government is formulating a 10-year national productivity masterplan in collaboration with Japan-based Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) and Bangladesh National Productivity Organisation, according to a statement from the industries ministry.
Productivity to be 5.6pc by 2030: Humayun
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File photo
DHAKA, Jan 21, 2021 (BSS) – Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun today said productivity in all sectors will be increased to 5.6 percent from the existing 3.8 percent by 2030.
“Japan based, Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) and National Productivity Organisation (NPO) of Bangladesh have jointly formulated a master plan for 10 years. Through implementing the plan, productivity in all sectors will be increased to 5.6 percent from the existing 3.8 percent by 2030,” he said.
The minister said this at a greeting message for the 60th anniversary of the APO, said a press release.
In the message, Humayun said APO and NPO have jointly formulated the master plan for increasing productivity in different sectors, including industry, service and agriculture.