Background Information

In Pakistan, there exist around 3.2 million SMEs out of which less than 5% units have any Certification System. However, unlike large enterprises in the formal sector, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are constrained by financial and other resources. This inherent characteristic of an (SMEs) makes it imperative that there should be a mechanism through which it may get support in business and human resource training & development.

Project Profile

Title of Project: Certification Incentive Programme for SMEs under PQI Initiatives-2025.
Executing Agency: Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of Pakistan.
Capital Cost: Rs.800 million
Time Duration: 3 years

Main Objectives

To provide incentive grants up to 2050 SMEs for adopting and implementing any certification system in the relevant areas of their business

To get the SMEs of Balochistan & less developed areas of Pakistan, Certified & Incentivized

To organize training programmes for SMEs & other Stakeholders in establishing & maintaining different certification systems

To improve competitiveness and sustainability of Pakistani Enterpreneurs/SMEs in global supply chain

Need for Certification

Compliance to international standards on quality, environment, safety and social accountability has been universally recognized as one of the key strategic element of product competitiveness in both domestic and international markets, along with price and delivery factors. Quality is the pre-requisite for successful market access and for achieving continued customer satisfaction
In order to enhance exports and to be more competitive in the world market, it is imperative that a sound certification system for the recognition of credible products and services should start working and the relevant stakeholders should immediately strengthen their efforts in capacity building & implementing relevant certification systems