SLSI empowers SMEs

Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) SME Development Program with Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI), Sri Lanka Food Processors' Association (SLFPA) and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) are hosting the SME Pavilion at 'Quality 2014' exhibition at the BMICH.

The exhibition organised to mark the 50th anniversary of SLSI, ends today.

The SME Pavilion supports 50 regional SMEs to explore new markets and learn more about international certification. A further group of 300 SMEs participated in sessions learning how to expand with standards certified and services offered by SLSI.

Live demonstrations covered standard practices of different industries as a stimulant for SMEs to follow and adapt.

The SME Pavilion features stalls of SLSI, SLFPA, CCC and partner SMEs representing various sectors.

Senior Adviser GIZ German Muller said, "The Sri Lankan-German SME Development Program supports inclusive growth of the SME sector islandwide, with a special focus on less developed regions, such as the North, the East and the 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 improve their business. This will provide access to new markets, locally and globally, resulting in a stronger economy for the entire country," he said.

GIZ's cooperation with SLSI also covers the revision of the National Quality Policy (NQP) which is underway at present. Ministry of Technology and Research is responsible for the NQP and has mandated SLSI to carry out the actual policy development process. GIZ supports this process by providing international expertise.

The Sri Lankan-German SME Development Program, implemented by GIZ with the Ministry of Finance and Planning aims at supporting 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.