KARACHI:- The European Union (EU) funded and IDUNIDO Delivering Poverty Reduction and Inclusive Development through Sindh Rural Program (PAIDAR) successfully concluded its Business Grants Orientation event at the Marriott Hotel in Karachi today. The event aimed at strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs and associations, attracted enthusiastic participation from 77 shortlists representing various business sectors. These participants will now collaborate with the Technical Assistance (TA) company allocated by PAIDAR to prepare a credible business proposal.
Industries represented in the grant fund include solar products, automotive industry, waste management, construction, food processing, mining, retail, biomass processing, telemedicine, rice production and e-commerce. The event saw significant participation from women-led businesses, demonstrating PAIDAR’s commitment to gender inclusion and supporting women entrepreneurs.
The three Technical Assistance (TA) companies that provide expert support for business planning are Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF), Empowerment through Creative Integration (ECI) and i-Consult. This renowned organization brings broad experience and specialized expertise, ensuring the development of a reliable business proposition.
National Program Coordinator Mr. Badar ul Islam welcomed the participants and introduced the objectives of the program. “This event is an important step in empowering the business community in Sindh. The technical support provided by this TA company will allow this business not only to apply for PAIDAR grants but also to develop a strategic business plan and attract investment from other financial institutions for limited. call for proposals.
Mr. Raja Khurram Shahzad Umar, Secretary, Department of Investment, said that it is important to support SMEs for economic development. “The Government of Sindh recognizes and commends the sustainable development model of the PAIDAR program, especially by providing significant financial support and resources to PAIDAR for the trust it has shown to entrepreneurs and the business community in Sindh,” he said.
Mr. Khair Muhammad Kalwar, Secretary, Planning and Development, Government of Sindh, in his opening speech echoed this sentiment and congratulated UNIDO for implementing the PAIDAR program in Sindh to support the development of public sector infrastructure and reduce poverty through economic empowerment. grants and technical assistance. He said GoS supports business groups to work with PAIDAR to achieve common goals.
On that occasion, National Technical Advisor Mr. Farooq Ahmed Siddiqui thanked all the participants and organizers and expressed their commitment for economic development in Sindh.
PAIDAR SME grants will enable local workplaces to create jobs, improve working conditions and equip SMEs with the tools and knowledge they need to drive economic growth and development.
