Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit(GIZ) SME Development Programme together with 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 BMICH Hall C from 3-7 December 2014. Background is the 50th Anniversary of SLSI.
The SME Pavilion supports 50 regional SMEs to explore new markets and learn more about international certification. A further group of 300 SMEs will participate in sessions learning how to expand with standards certified and services offered by SLSI. Live demonstrations will cover standard practices of different industries as a stimulant for SMEs to follow and adapt. The SME Pavilion will feature stalls of SLSI, SLFPA, CCC as well as partner SMEs representing various sectors.
German Müller, Senior Advisor GIZ, explained: "The Sri Lankan-German SME Development Programme supports inclusive growth of the SME sector island-wide, with a special focus on less developed regions, such as North, East and Uva Provinces. We work with national providers to help them offer improved and comprehensive services to SME 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), currently underway. 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 Programme, 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 Programme is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany.
