The four-day International Workshop on Human Capital Management in Small and Medium Enterprises concluded today at PC Hotel, Karachi, bringing together policymakers, productivity practitioners, industry representatives, and international participants to focus on practical strategies for SME growth. The event, jointly organized by NPO Pakistan in collaboration with APO Japan, centred on improving workforce capability and organisational practices to raise competitiveness.
Delegates discussed approaches to embed strong human capital practices across SMEs, emphasising capacity building, skill development and policy measures relevant to Pakistan’s industrial landscape. The workshop provided a platform for cross-border learning and highlighted how targeted interventions can translate into tangible productivity gains for small and medium enterprises.
Dr. Anthony Cinco Sales from the Philippines presented a Vote of Thanks on behalf of participants, expressing appreciation for the well-structured sessions, resource persons and the organising team. His remarks reflected the value attendees placed on the practical tools and frameworks shared during the workshop that support enhanced human capital outcomes.
Delivering the Closing Remarks for NPO Pakistan, Muhammad Alamgir Chaudhry, Chief Executive Officer, underscored the importance of effective human capital management in strengthening SME competitiveness. He reaffirmed NPO’s commitment to supporting SMEs through capacity-building initiatives, policy support and continued collaboration with APO to ensure sustained skills development and productivity improvements.
Sahibzadi Maheen Khan, Member of the Board of Directors at NPO Pakistan, offered a Vote of Thanks on behalf of the organisation, acknowledging the support of APO Japan, resource persons, the chief guest and the organising team. The session’s chief guest, Muhammad Rehan Hanif, President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, highlighted the critical role of skilled and motivated human capital in sustaining industrial growth and urged closer collaboration between productivity organisations and the private sector to convert learning into practical outcomes for local SMEs.
The programme concluded with a group photograph of speakers, participants and organisers. With renewed focus on human capital, stakeholders signalled continued cooperation to help Pakistani SMEs adopt best practices and strengthen workforce capabilities for long-term growth.
