Page 7 - CMA Journal (Jan-Feb 2024)
P. 7
E XCLUS I VE I N TERV I EW
Exclusive Interview
Ms. Nadia Aftab
United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO)
Representative in Pakistan
UNIDO has played a pivotal role in
strengthening Pakistan's manufacturing sector,
investing an average of USD 29 million annually
over the past decade. Through specialized
technical assistance programs, the organization
has significantly improved manufacturing
ICMA: Can you briefly mention the role of UNIDO in Emphasizing a culture of cooperation, UNIDO has formed
advancing Pakistan'smanufacturing sector? partnerships across academia, government, businesses,
and entrepreneurs, particularly supporting small and
Nadia Aftab: The United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO) plays a pivotal role in advancing medium-sized enterprises. Actively promoting youth
advocacy and gender equality, UNIDO's commitment to
Pakistan's manufacturing sector by providing technical
inclusive and sustainable development is evident in the
assistance, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial
development, and fostering innovation. UNIDO partners success of its programs. Providing technical assistance to
with global funding organizations to create and carry out 1,700 SMEs and manufacturing facilities, these initiatives
have not only spurred economic growth but also generated
industrial projects that are aligned with government goals.
a substantial number of new jobs, contributing significantly
UNIDO supports the modernization of industrial processes,
enhances productivity and competitiveness, and toPakistan'semployment landscape.
contributes to Pakistan's economic growth and ICMA: How is UNIDO working to bolster the resilience of
employment creation. Through its various initiatives, Pakistan'smanufacturing industry amid challenges?
UNIDO aims to strengthen Pakistan's industrial Nadia Aftab: In the face of mounting challenges, UNIDO is
infrastructure, improve the business environment, and wielding a multi-pronged approach to fortify the resilience
facilitatetheintegration ofindustry intoglobal valuechains, of Pakistan's manufacturing industry. Take the Sialkot
ultimately contributing to the country's socio-economic
Tannery Zone as a prime example. Here, close collaboration
development.
with local authorities has yielded targeted programs that
UNIDO has played a pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan's enhance both adaptability and environmental
manufacturing sector, investing an average of consciousness. By introducing advanced waste treatment
USD 29 million annually over the past decade. Through technologies and optimizing production processes, UNIDO
specialized technical assistance programs, the organization directly tackles the sector's environmental hurdles. But
has significantly improved manufacturing efficiency their vision stretches beyond resilience, aiming for a
andproductivity. sustainable future.
ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant,Jan-Feb 2024 5