Latest news with #SAFWCO
Business Recorder
28-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI team participates in ‘Financing Agreement Signing' ceremony
HYDERABAD: A high-level delegation of Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI) participated in the 'Financing Agreement Signing Ceremony' and the event organized in connection with the Global Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Day (MSMEs Day). The delegation was led by Acting President Ahmed Idrees Chohan, who was invited as the Chief Guest at the prestigious event. The program was organized by the Sindh Agricultural and Forestry Workers Coordinating Organization (SAFWCO) under the Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) project, aimed at supporting and financing MSMEs. On this occasion, selected SMEs were awarded grants of Rs. 10 million and Rs. 20 million. While addressing the ceremony, Ahmed Idrees Chohan highlighted that the Global MSMEs Day, observed annually on June 27 under the United Nations, serves as a reminder that small and medium enterprises are the backbone of any economy. In a developing country like Pakistan, MSMEs are key drivers of employment, innovation and economic sustainability. He appreciated the efforts of SAFWCO, GRASP, European Union (EU), International Trade Centre (ITC), Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and other partner institutions for making financial support for SMEs a reality and celebrating the day with full spirit. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
SAFWCO conducts capacity-building training sessions for rural people
HYDERABAD: The Sindh Agricultural and Forestry Workers Coordinating Organization (SAFWCO), in partnership with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), successfully conducted a capacity building training session for borrowers under the Access to Finance (A2F) component of the Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) initiative. The session was held at the HID Hall of SAFWCO's Head Office, Hyderabad. The GRASP project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with PPAF, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA). The initiative aims to strengthen rural agribusinesses across Sindh & Balochistan by enhancing financial literacy and improving access to finance. The training was conducted by Ms. Shabana Mallah, Manager Trainings at SAFCO Microfinance Company Limited (SMCL), and coordinated by Rajkumar Lohano, A2F Specialist at SAFWCO. A total of 12 participants; 5 women and 7 men, took part in the session. They represented micro-enterprises engaged in livestock, pickle production, banana fiber, and mango orchards, and came from areas including UC Tando Qaiser, UC Chuki, and UC Sawan Khan Gopang. This highly interactive, activity-based training covered essential areas such as financial literacy, loan management, entrepreneurship and business skills, digital literacy, and legal and consumer rights awareness. A motivational video on entrepreneurship was also shown to inspire participants to strengthen their skills and grow their businesses. Dr. Suleman G. Abro, Founder and Executive Director of SAFWCO, gave the inspiring session by personally engaging with each participant discussing their business challenges, listening to their stories, and offering innovative ideas for growth. He encouraged them to adopt by-product strategies to increase income, create strong market linkages for better pricing, and unite as a business community to drive collective progress. 'Together, you can bring huge change in your lives,' said Dr. Abro. He emphasized the importance of resilience, understanding customer needs, and maintaining honesty and integrity in business. He also urged the participants to innovate by introducing new products to meet market demands. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
