A four-day workshop on SME human capital management opened in Karachi on 27 January 2026 and will continue through 30 January. Organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in collaboration with the National Productivity Organization (NPO), Ministry of Industries and Production, the programme seeks to improve workforce management practices among Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises.
Muhammad Alamgir Choudhry, Chief Executive Officer of the National Productivity Organization Pakistan, said that human capital is any organisation’s fundamental asset and a key driver of sustainable productivity growth. He reaffirmed the NPO’s commitment to people-centred policies, leadership development and capacity building tailored to the needs of SMEs.
Representing APO Tokyo, Programme Officer Nobutsugu Miyama praised the ongoing cooperation with Pakistan and emphasised that human capital development is indispensable for sustainable productivity across the Asia-Pacific region.
Speaking as guest of honour, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Saqib Fayyaz Magoon highlighted that a skilled, agile and modern workforce is central to strengthening SMEs and enhancing national competitiveness.
The workshop is expected to support policy dialogue, institutional strengthening and the promotion of effective human resources practices in APO member economies, with direct relevance for Pakistan’s SME sector. Through focused sessions on leadership, training and workforce planning, organisers aim to embed SME human capital approaches that boost productivity and resilience.
