Page 8 - CMA Journal (Jan-Feb 2024)

E XCLUS I VE I N TERV I EW

implementing more than 12MW of RE projects in the

industrial sector.These initiatives havenotonly contributed

The "Sustainable Energy Initiative for to environmental preservation but have also reduced

Industries in Pakistan," funded through operational costs for industries. Furthermore, by

empowering rural communities with sustainable energy

the Global Environment Facility (GEF), solutions, UNIDO has supported small businesses and

micro-enterprises, fostering a better livelihood. Moreover,

stands out as a significant project. This in this project, UNIDO has placed significant emphasis on

capacity building, having trained more than 625
initiative, also known as the REEE

professionals, including 30 women, in energy management

project, has had a profound impact by systems and energy optimization. This initiative aims to

enhance technical expertise in Renewable Energy (RE) and

developing policies and regulations to Energy Efficiency (EE) within the Pakistani industry,

contributing to a more skilled and sustainable workforce in

support the adoption of renewable thiscritical area.

energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) ICMA: What, in UNIDO's opinion, are the weaknesses of

the Pakistani industry, particularly within its export-

in the industry orientedsector?

Nadia Aftab: The weaknesses within Pakistan's export-
Eco-friendly production methods and materials oriented sector include inadequate infrastructure, limited

significantly reduce the Tannery Zone's footprint, aligning access to finance, low productivity, insufficient

with global sustainability goals and setting a new standard technological advancements, and challenges related to

for responsible manufacturing practices. compliance with international standards and certifications.

These factors can hinder the competitiveness of Pakistani

Innovation sits at the heart of UNIDO's strategy. Modern

industries in global markets and limit their ability to fully

machinery and a dedicated focus on research and capitalize on export opportunities. UNIDO works toaddress

development ensure industries and the manufacturing these weaknesses through various initiatives aimed at

sector stay ahead of the curve, facing evolving market enhancing productivity, improving infrastructure,

demands and quality standards with confidence. promoting technology transfer, and facilitating access to

Recognizing that people are the backbone of resilience, finance andmarkets forPakistaniindustries.

UNIDO invests heavily in workforce development.

Comprehensive training programs equip local workers with ICMA: How is UNIDO working to connect Pakistani SMEs

the skills to navigate market fluctuations and embrace new with global markets?

technologies. This skilled workforce serves as a testament Nadia Aftab: UNIDO isactivelyworking toconnect Pakistani

to UNIDO's commitment to building a manufacturing SMEs with global markets by enhancing their

industry that's notjustadaptable, butthriving andready for competitiveness and integrating them into global value

thefuture. chains. Our focus is on providing technical assistance and

ICMA: Could you provide instances of effective UNIDO capacity-building support to help SMEs meet international

effortsthathavefortifiedPakistan'smanufacturingsector? standards, access market intelligence, and obtain

Nadia Aftab: In Pakistan, UNIDO has played a pivotal role in certifications likeISO.

strengthening the country's manufacturing sector beyond

its scale. Notably, the "Sustainable Energy Initiative for

Industries in Pakistan," funded through the Global The weaknesses within Pakistan's
Environment Facility (GEF), stands out as a significant

project. This initiative, also known as the REEE project, has export-oriented sector include

had a profound impact by developing policies and inadequate infrastructure, limited access

regulations to support the adoption of renewable energy

(RE)andenergyefficiency (EE)intheindustry.Collaborating to finance, low productivity, insufficient

with public and private partners, UNIDO has facilitated

investments inEEandREin50industrial units frommultiple technological advancements, and

sectors on Energy Management System (EnMS) challenges related to compliance with

implementation and certifications, creating a platform for

sustainability promotion. international standards and certifications

The project has yielded substantial results, reducing over

17,000 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO ) emissions and

2

6 ICMA’s CharteredManagement Accountant,Jan-Feb2024