KARACHI, May 27: The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will give more participation to the Pakistani private sector in its future programmes mainly on transfer of technology in the areas of environment, quality standards and limited industrial sectors such as textiles, leather, fisheries, fruits and vegetable and jewellry.

This was stated by Director General of UNIDO Carlos Alfredo Magarinos during a meeting with FPCCI President Iftikhar Ali Malik and members of the business community,at Federation House, on Monday.

Carlos who is visiting Pakistan on the special invitation of the government to explore the possibility of expanding the role of UNIDO in the industrial development of the country, said that UNIDO was extending assistance for the establishment of an Effluent Treatment Plant and a Solid Management Plant in Sindh.

He said that he held a meeting with the Sindh government in this regard. He encouraged the private sector to identify concrete problems being faced by the industry for UNIDO’s assistance. He further said that UNIDO was interested in providing funds for facilities which could help the SMEs to acquire latest technology.

He referred to the Intechmart event organized in association with the FPCCI and said that he wanted to capitalize on the success of the project in the future programme of UNIDO.

A country programme was being developed by UNIDO for Pakistan he said and adding that last year UNIDO’s assistance was $7 million which would be increased.

He particularly referred to the possibility of investment in specific areas of the Information Technology sector such as IT application, programme designing etc.

Earlier, FPCCI president Iftikhar Ali Malik said that the private sector would like to see the UNIDO to play a more wider role in the economic, social and technological development of Pakistan as it was world’s most experienced industrial problem solver.

He acknowledge the vital role played by the UNIDO in the promotion of investment and technology transfer into Pakistan, as part of its integrated programme for Sustainable Industrial Development.—APP