QUETTA: Under the EU funded GRASP project, a handing over of IT equipment ceremony took place here at Balochistan Civil Secretariat where Secretaries from various key departments were also present, according to a statement issued here on Tuesday.

 

Mr. Robert Skidmore, GRASP Project Executive, International Trade Centre was also present including the GRASP provincial Lead Mr. Jahanzeb Khan. Speaking at the occasion Secretary Livestock Department, Tayyab Lahrhi stated that GRASP support is important for institutional strengthening of the department and allied institutions. The Animal Sciences Institute (ASI) imparts training to more than 700 veterinary assistants annually for further providing trainings to farmers and SMEs in the province.

 

GRASP provided IT equipment for class rooms such as multimedia, sound system, laptops and printers. A collection of 1300 books were also provided for library at ASI as well. Mr. Robert appreciated the Public-Private Partnership mode for development of slaughterhouses in the provinces in district Lasbela and Zhob. He also emphasized on the commercial application of various initiatives LDDD is undertaking.

 

ITC GRASP Project is supporting Women Development Department through equipment and capacity building programs. Secretary Women Development Department Mr. Zafar Ali Bulaidy, mentioned that GRASP is playing a very important role in empowering women of the region. He said that the project is not only supporting women led businesses but also WDD through provision of equipment and trainings. He requested that the capacity building of women entrepreneurs on e-commerce should be continued and expanded to the remaining GRASP districts.

 

Mr. Robert Skidmore said that for ensuring an enabling environment the role of Govt. is instrumental. Adding further he said that GRASP is an enterprise development project however the role of counterparts is very crucial for achieving that. The International Trade Centre under GRASP project would be helping women businesses in formalization, connecting to funders, matching grants and markets.

 

Secretary Industries and Commerce Mr. Hafiz Abdul Majid said that EU funded GRASP project support is very timely as the government has recently launched its business registration portal. He said GRASP is also forming the rural SME strategy to make SMEs more sustainable. Mr. Robert Skidmore said that the role of Industries and Commerce department is pivotal for enterprise development in the province. He mentioned that GRASP is closely working with the department to develop SMEs to make them competitive for national and international trade.