Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress: ITC launches a project to reduce poverty in Pakistan by strengthening small-scale agribusinesses.

Small enterprises make up the bulk of businesses in Pakistan. To achieve broad, sustainable economic growth, these firms must grow and create jobs for the increasing number of people entering the workforce. Livestock and horticulture--which account for 70% of value added agriculture--have particularly strong growth potential due to rising demand, opportunities for climate adaptation and participation of women.

The International Trade Centre (ITC)--a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization--has launched a project to reduce poverty in Pakistan by strengthening small-scale agribusinesses in Balochistan and Sindh.

The project, known as 'Growth for rural advancement and sustainable progress' (GRASP), will help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in horticulture and livestock become more competitive by making improvements at all levels of the value chain.

Demand for safe, nutritious and high-quality food is rising in Pakistan. By improving product quality at every stage, from planting to production, to packaging and transport, small-scale agribusinesses--including those led by women and youth--will increase their productivity and profitability.

Abdul Razzaq Dawood, advisor for commerce of the Government of Pakistan; Jean-Francois Cautain, former ambassador of the European Union in Pakistan; and ITC Executive Director Arancha Gonzalez shared their views on the initiative in an interview initially published on GEO.

ABDUL RAZZAQ DAWOOD

Advisor for Commerce, Textile, Industry and Production, and Investment

Government of Pakistan

How will this project impact the trade sector in Pakistan?

Economic recovery and sustainable growth are at the heart of current government economic policies. The GRASP project of the European Union and ITC comes at a time when the government is geared up for reform and improvement in the economic sectors.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up the bulk of businesses in Pakistan. In order to achieve coherent, broad-based and sustainable economic growth, there is a need to focus on SMEs and unlock the potential in livestock and horticulture besides other sectors in the country. We look forward to an improvement in business environment, selected agriculture value chains, productivity and agribusiness services with the support of our partners.

JEAN-FRANCOIS CAUTAIN

Former Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan

Why do you think the GRASP project is important for Pakistan?

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