ISLAMABAD: National Productivity Organization (NPO) Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Alamgir Chaudhry on Tuesday highlighted the strategic importance of human capital as a core organizational asset, saying that sustainable productivity growth in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) hinges on people-centric policies and continuous capacity building.
He said this while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the APO Workshop on Human Capital Management in SMEs, jointly organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) and NPO under the Ministry of Industries and Production.
The four-day workshop, from January 27 to 30, has brought together policymakers, experts, practitioners and SME representatives from across APO member countries to exchange experiences and best practices in human capital management.
Alamgir reaffirmed NPO Pakistan’s commitment to promoting productivity through leadership development, skills enhancement and institutional capacity building, particularly for SMEs, which he described as the backbone of the national economy.
Representing the APO Secretariat, Program Officer Nobutsugu Miyama, in his introductory remarks, appreciated Pakistan’s continued collaboration with APO and highlighted the regional significance of human capital development in achieving sustainable productivity and competitiveness.
The keynote address was delivered by Senior Vice President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, who emphasized the critical role of a skilled, motivated and adaptable workforce in strengthening SMEs and driving national competitiveness. He also highlighted FPCCI’s role in supporting workforce development and enterprise growth across Pakistan.
The APO Workshop on Human Capital Management in SMEs would help contribute to meaningful policy dialogue, institutional strengthening and the adoption of effective human capital practices within SMEs across APO member economies.
