UNIDO Launches Industrial Information Network

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has launched Industrial Information Network (IIN) in Pakistan in collaboration with project partners: SME Bank, COMSATS and SMEDA on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 in Islamabad.

The IIN was formally launched by Mr. Carlos Magarinos, Director General-UNIDO who on visit Pakistan discussed the future role of UNIDO in the development of industry. The ceremony was held at the premises of COMSATS Headquarters.

In his project report, Mr. Atif Mumtaz, National Project Coordinator UNIDO, apprised the audience of the significance of the IIN in the development of the small and medium enterprises in the country.

He said IIN would be the largest source of information generation, exchange and dissemination for rendering the value added support to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. "The purpose of initiating IIN is to assist in overcoming the structural and institutional flaws that have been experienced in development of SME sector" Mr. Atif underlined.

Assistance in improving the quality of products, access to new and unexplored markets; information on the new available technology; distance learning and training opportunities for SMEs and platform for investors to invest in SME sector in Pakistan, are some of the benefits of this project.

Initially IIN would cater to the needs of textile and leather sectors, later other industrial sectors would also be incorporated in the e-commerce portal. To make it a unique portal, the information will be made available both in Urdu and English languages.

Information regarding rules, regulations and laws, opening of new export avenues and virtual shops; business information centres and cyber cafes where SMEs can learn about IIN are also to be made available on the portal in near future.

Mr. Carlos Magarinos, the Director General-UNIDO after formally launching IIN said, it was life-time achievement for SME-sector in Pakistan. "The setup of IIN in Pakistan will give a much needed boost to SMEs in the country if properly explored by the concerned quarters", DG said.

President SME Bank, Kaiser Naseem expressed his satisfaction over the timely completion of IIN in the country.

The Chief Executive Officer SMEDA, Iqbal Mustafa was of the view that of IIN can be achieved objectives through active involvement of SMEs in the whole exercise. He was hopeful that with the passage of time, IIN would become homepage for the entire lot of SMEs.

The Secretary for Industries and Production, Government of Pakistan, Dr. Akram Sheikh thanked the participants of the ceremony on behalf of the government. He was appreciative of the role of SME Bank, SMEDA, UNIDO and COMSATS in the launching of the IIN in Pakistan.

The Executive Director, COMSATS, Dr. Hameed Ahmed Khan's message was read out by Mr. Tajammul Hussain the Director (Planning). He said that besides IIN, COMSATS and UNIDO have agreed to cooperate for transfer of environmentally sound and clean technologies, establishment of certification bodies for implementation of ISO-14000, upgrading agro-industries, renewable technologies and to support energy-efficient industry in common member countries.