The EU-funded Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) project organized a major event in Quetta, reaffirming the collective commitment of the government, European Union, International Trade Centre (ITC), and other development partners to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Balochistan. The event, attended by key dignitaries, focused on promoting inclusive access to finance, distributing matching grant cheques, and highlighting the achievements of the GRASP initiative in the region.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included Mr. Robert Skidmore, Chief of Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness at the International Trade Centre, Mr. Jeroen Willems, Head of Cooperation at the European Union in Pakistan, Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Women Development, and Mr. Mir Zahoor Buledi, Provincial Minister for Planning and Development.
A key feature of the event was the distribution of cheques under the fourth cycle of the matching grant program, aimed at increasing financial support for local SMEs. The seminar also showcased the positive impact and progress of the GRASP project in Balochistan, with several SMEs displaying a wide range of products at dedicated stalls.
Participants engaged in a dialogue focused on creating a more supportive environment for SMEs, discussing challenges and opportunities for enterprise growth and sustainable economic development. The event highlighted the significant role that partnerships between the government, donors, and the private sector play in driving regional prosperity.
GRASP, implemented by the International Trade Centre in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and SMEDA, continues to support the development of SMEs, aiming to boost economic activity and improve livelihoods in rural and urban areas across Pakistan.
