The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in a meeting discussed the promotion of 'Alternate Dispute Resolution' (ADR)  in SME Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMECC&I) sponsored jointly by all the SME stakeholders.

Isfandyar Ali Khan Project Officer ADR and Saima Zuberi Associate Operation Officer explained the salient features of the ADR and expressed their  full support to the SMECCI and their commitment to facilitate the members with the ADR system.

They said the IFC which is an organization sponsored by the World Bank would extend its institutional support to the SMECC&I  and has suggested that ADR which has been omitted in the SME policy and the SME act should be included in the agenda of the SMECC&I and the SME policy and the act should also be amended to include ADR for the benefit of the sector.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are meeting on 23rd December 2009 to discuss promotion of 'Alternate Dispute Resolution' (ADR) in the articles of association of SME Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMECC&I).

President Unisame Zulfikar Thaver said the IFC which is an
organization sponsored by the World Bank has expressed its desire to extend its institutional support to the SMECC&I  and has suggested that ADR which has been omitted in the SME policy and the SME act should be included in the agenda of the SMECC&I and the SME policy and the act should also be amended to include ADR for the benefit of the sector.

Pakistan Oman Investment Company Ltd (POICL) a joint venture of Pakistan and the Sultanate of Oman has expressed keen interest to promote the rice processing industry in Pakistan by financing the rice processors and exporters on short and long term basis.

In a meeting with the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) Tariq Hassan Assistant Vice President Corporate Credit and Hassan Iqbal Manager Corporate Credit assured Zulfikar Thaver President Unisame that POICL would finance the Small & Medium sector to promote rice processing and value addition by short and medium term loans for modernisation of rice processing and milling plants by providing loans and leasing facilities to the entrepreneurs.
The Union President submitted the requirements of the rice processors and exporters and stated the scope for expansion of the industry which needs to adopt modern paddy drying, rice husking, parboiling and colour sorting machines and urged the POICL officials to finance the industry for mutual benefit on affordable markup.

Pakistan Oman Investment Company Ltd (POICL) a joint venture of Pakistan and the Sultanate of Oman has expressed keen interest to promote the rice processing industry in Pakistan by financing the rice processors and exporters on short and long term basis.

In a meeting with the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) Tariq Hassan Assistant Vice President Corporate Credit and Hassan Iqbal Manager Corporate Credit assured Zulfikar Thaver President Unisame that POICL would finance the Small & Medium sector to promote rice processing and value addition by short and medium term loans for modernisation of rice processing and milling plants by providing loans and leasing facilities to the entrepreneurs.
The Union President submitted the requirements of the rice processors and exporters and stated the scope for expansion of the industry which needs to adopt modern paddy drying, rice husking, parboiling and colour sorting machines and urged the POICL officials to finance the industry for mutual benefit on affordable markup.

President, Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) Zulfikar Thaver and member National Committee SMEs (NCSMEs) has called upon the Federal Minister to comprehend the fact that the government needs to focus on the SME sector as the sector is capable of reviving the declining economy and no time should be lost in this endeavor.

He said considering the fact that the large sector has slowed down due to the prevailing conditions and is apprehensive of the increase in fuel prices, wages and cost of production which will hamper their feasibilities and put them out of gear for a certain period till prices stabilize as against this the SME sector is vibrant and has the built-in mechanism to overcome as the SME industries are owner driven.

Explaining the salient features of the sector he said this sector comprises of 96 percent of all enterprises in trading, manufacturing, services and agriculture and is capable of boosting the economy with a little pampering, said a statement issued here Sunday.

He emphasized that this sector needs land at concession, finance at affordable mark up and back up support of leasing, insurance, good logistics and technical support from institutions like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), Engineering Development Board (EDB) and other SME promotion and development organizations.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has welcomed the appointment of Mir Hazar Khan Bijrani as the Federal Minister of Industries and assured him of full support and co-operation in the promotion and development of the SME sector which comes under the ministry of industries

President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver on behalf of the SME sector welcomed the new federal minister of industries and informed him of the urgent need to give priority to SME issues and resolve them in the best interest of the majority sector which is the back bone of the economy and the engine of growth and the best avenue for self employment.

He said it is very important that the SMEs are given land at concession, finance at affordable mark up, technological help for product improvement, up gradation and modernization and encouragement and incentive to set up new industries and expand existing units.

He said banking, insurance and leasing are the pillars of the economy and need to be rejuvenated to facilitate the SMEs on modern lines.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has recommended the Islamic mode of financing as the best option for the SMEs during the present period of reduced financing by commercial banks.

Kazi Shafiquddin Hub Operations Manager Bank Islami Pakistan Ltd (BIPL) explained the benefits of Islamic mode of financing to the members of UNISAME and emphasized the fact that in the present scenario Islamic mode of financing is the most suitable where the financing is based on partnerships under Mushariqa and Mudaraba and the burden is not felt by the borrowing partner as it is based on the profitability of the venture.

He also suggested other means of financing such as Ijara where the subject moveable property is given on lease to the borrower and the borrower repays in  easy installments which are treated as rent and on completion of installments the moveable property is transferred to the borrower. He also mentioned the Maskan financing for housing and outlined the features for the SMEs who are desirous of buying houses for themselves but are unable to pay in lump sum due to involvement in business trading or industry and by availing the facilities of Maskan they can own their houses and save the rent amount by paying the loan.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has invited the attention of Federal Finance Minister, Shaukat Tarin, that the amount of Rs2.5 billion for SME Development Support Fund and Rs2.5 billion for Venture Capital for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have not been released although a period of almost five and a half months have passed since the announcement of the budget for 2009/10.

President, UNISAME, Zulfikar Thaver, lamented that SME promotion and development is suffering due to non-release of funds and he pointed out that SME promotion and development is crucial to the economy as the sector comprises of 96 per cent of the total enterprises in the country.

President UNISAME has pointed out that SMEDA offers following services for small and medium sized entrepreneurs:  Assistance in Raising Finance, Financial Advice, Project Identification  Business Plan Development, Technical Advice  Marketing Advice (Branding, Labeling, Packaging, Distribution, Promotion etc)  Company Incorporation, Export Registration & Regulatory Advice  Sales Tax, Custom Duty, Excise Duty etc.  Training & Development  Information Services (Library, Databases, Project briefs, Pre-feasibility  Besides the above SMEDA can identify numerous projects for potential entrepreneurs. All of these projects offer alternative investment opportunities for SMEs but success of a project, apart from other factors, depends on the profile of the SME.

OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor Course

TQCSI Pakistan is an Australian based International Certification Registrar for ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System, HACCP Food Safety System, OHSAS Occupational Health & Safety Management System etc., and has Training Partnership with JLB Australia.

Course Accreditation / Recognition
This training course and certificate of attainment is recognized by IRCA as meeting the requirement for IRCA certification to OHSAS 18001 Series Auditor / Lead Auditor course.

This course is certified by RABQSA, and meets the training portion of the requirements for certification of individual OHSAS Lead auditors.

Who Should Attend

This Course is designed for:

• CEO’s / Directors
• Health & Safety Assurance Managers
• Management Representatives
• Aspirant First, Second and Third party auditors
• OHSAS 18001 Implementation Teams
• Individuals who want to become Registered Lead Auditor
• Consultant
• Personnel who wish to pursue a career in the field of Occupational Health and Safety management

Learning Objective
By the end of the course delegate will be able to:

• Understand The purpose of OHSAS 18001
• Apply the requirements of OHSAS 18001
• Plan and conduct an audit
• Report an audit
• Undertake audit follow-up activities
• Prepare and advice their organization before third party assessment.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of their organization’s occupational Health & Safety management system.

ISO 14001 EMS Lead Auditor Course

TQCSI Pakistan is an Australian based International Certification Registrar for ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System, HACCP Food Safety System, OHSAS Occupational Health & Safety Management System etc., and has Training Partnership with JLB Australia for Lead Auditor course.

Course Accreditation / Recognition
This training course and certificate of attainment is recognized by IRCA as meeting the requirement for IRCA certification to ISO 14001 Series Auditor / Lead Auditor course.

This course is certified by RABQSA, and meets the training portion of the requirements for certification of individual EMS Lead auditors.

Who Should Attend

This Course is designed for:

1. CEO’s / Directors
2. Environmental Assurance Managers
3. Management Representatives
4. Aspirant First, Second and Third party auditors
5. ISO 14001 Implementation Teams
6. Individuals who want to become Registered Lead Auditor
7. Consultant
8. Personnel who wish to pursue a career in the field of environmental management

Learning Objective
By the end of the course delegate will be able to:

1. Understand The purpose of a EMS
2. Apply the requirements of ISO 14001
3. Plan and conduct an audit
4. Report an audit
5. Undertake audit follow-up activities
6. Prepare and advice their organization before third party assessment.
7. Contribute to the development and improvement of their organization’s Environmental management system.

ISO 14001 EMS Lead Auditor Course

TQCSI Pakistan is an Australian based International Certification Registrar for ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System, HACCP Food Safety System, OHSAS Occupational Health & Safety Management System etc., and has Training Partnership with JLB Australia for Lead Auditor course.

Course Accreditation / Recognition
This training course and certificate of attainment is recognized by IRCA as meeting the requirement for IRCA certification to ISO 14001 Series Auditor / Lead Auditor course.

This course is certified by RABQSA, and meets the training portion of the requirements for certification of individual EMS Lead auditors.

Who Should Attend

This Course is designed for:

1. CEO’s / Directors
2. Environmental Assurance Managers
3. Management Representatives
4. Aspirant First, Second and Third party auditors
5. ISO 14001 Implementation Teams
6. Individuals who want to become Registered Lead Auditor
7. Consultant
8. Personnel who wish to pursue a career in the field of environmental management

Learning Objective
By the end of the course delegate will be able to:

1. Understand The purpose of a EMS
2. Apply the requirements of ISO 14001
3. Plan and conduct an audit
4. Report an audit
5. Undertake audit follow-up activities
6. Prepare and advice their organization before third party assessment.
7. Contribute to the development and improvement of their organization’s Environmental management system.

TQCSI Pakistan is an Australian based International Certification Registrar for ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System, HACCP Food Safety System, OHSAS Occupational Health & Safety Management System etc., and has Training Partnership with JLB Australia for Lead Auditor course.

Course Accreditation / Recognition
This training course and certificate of attainment is recognized by IRCA as meeting the requirement for IRCA certification to ISO 9001 Series Auditor / Lead Auditor course.

This course is certified by RABQSA, and meets the training portion of the requirements for certification of individual QMS Lead auditors.

Who Should Attend
This Course is designed for:

• CEO’s / Directors
• Quality Assurance Managers
• Management Representatives
• Aspirant First, Second and Third party auditors
• ISO 9001 Implementation Teams
• Individuals who want to become Registered Lead Auditor
• Consultant
• Personnel who wish to pursue a career in the field of quality management

Having realized the urgent need for a chamber of commerce and industry for the small sector the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) have agreed to jointly set up the SME Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMECCI) to promote trade, services and industry and to enhance the scope of entrepreneurship and self employment 

President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver welcomed Feroze Ahmad Manager Legal Services SMEDA  and discussed the  formation and the advantages of setting up SME Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Ministry of Industries and Production has submitted the flawed Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Development Bill 2009 to the Cabinet for approval, in principle, as other Ministries have expressed disagreement with some of the recommendations of the draft, sources told Business Recorder.

After approval, in principle, by the Cabinet, the proposed Bill can be further fine-tuned, if directed by the Cabinet," sources quoted the Ministry as suggesting to the Cabinet, which is scheduled to meet on November 18, 2009. Sources said that in January 2004, the Minister for Industries and Production had constituted a task force on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Development Policy.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME)  has urged the government to impose upon the sugar mills to release sugar to the SME merchants who are  holding  delivery orders to enable them to supply sugar to the retailers without break.

President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver said there is sufficient sugar lying in warehouses but the stockist are with holding sales to benefit due to the increase in international price of sugar which has jumped to USD 525 per metric ton and accordingly the landed cost of imported sugar would come to Rupees 55 per kilogram and even raw sugar is priced not less than USD 484 per metric ton in international market.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has urged the government to direct the sugar mills to release sugar to the SME merchants who are holding delivery orders enabling them to supply sugar to the retailers without any break.

President Unisame Zulfikar Thaver said there is sufficient sugar lying in warehouses but the stockists are withholding sales to benefit due to the increase in international price of sugar which has jumped to $525 per metric tonne and accordingly the landed cost of imported sugar would come to Rs55 per kilogram and even raw sugar is priced not less than $484 per metric tonne in international market.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) thanked Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani for promoting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to grade 22 and thus giving Smeda a higher status for better results.

SME rice exporters members on renewal of  their membership have been classified as associate members merely because they are not holding sales tax registration which is not of much consequence in rice export except for those who claim rebate on packing material.

President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver has invited the attention of the MINCOM to the fact that REAP has shown discrimination by placing SME rice exporters in a separate category and deprived them of their rights of voting for the managing committee by labeling them as associate members and treating them as inferior members and side tracking them in this fashion.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (Unisame) has urged the ministry of commerce to amend the Trade Organisation Ordinance (TOO) to remove discrimination in membership rules for SMEs and large companies. 

President Unisame Zulfikar Thaver said in a statement that the ordinance had fixed different parameters for the big and small enterprises and this is against the Constitution of Pakistan. 

It is reported that the Director Trade Organisation (DTO) has advised trade bodies to have two types of memberships -- the associate and the corporate, but most of the associations are charging the same fee from both the category of members.

According to a rice exporter prices in the world market were already under pressure and after the TCP tender the majority of the buyers withdrew to the sidelines and some even cancelled contracts. – Photo by APP.

KARACHI: The involvement of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) in rice exports has badly damaged the private sector export contracts worth millions of dollars, exporters allege.

The state-owned TCP made its debut in export trade through an international tender last week for the sale of 25,000 tons of super basmati rice procured last year.

Pakistani Ambassador to the Republic of Chile Burhanul Islam has invited the small and medium sized exporters to visit this Latin American State to promote exports of their goods which is a promising market for value added agricultural produce.He promised to introduce SMEs to importers and recommend them to the merchants of the republic.

Governments everywhere must make the interests of small and medium sized businesses a key priority or put sustained economic recovery at risk, three of the world’s leading accounting bodies have warned following a global survey which they commissioned.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has invited the urgent attention of the Ministry of Communications  (MoC) to the trouble and hardship caused to the SMEs due to the issuance of cell connections to persons who have submitted stolen photo copies of bonafide subscribers.

President of Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has said that the malpractices of celluar companies have caused panic among citizens. He said that the issuance of multiple SIMs on single identity cards is indeed a matter of great concern.

President Unisame, Zulfikar Thaver has also invited the urgent attention of the Ministry of Communications (MoC) to the trouble and hardship caused to the SMEs due to the issuance of cell connections to persons who have submitted stolen photo copies of bonafide subscribers.

President Barack Obama urged US banks on Saturday to unfreeze credit for small businesses, calling them “the engine” of the country’s economy. “Small businesses have always been the engine of our economy creating 65 per cent of all new jobs over the past decade and a half and they must be at the forefront of our recovery,” Obama said in his weekly radio address.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has urged the
ministry of food,agriculture & livestock (MINFAL) to install high
technology solutions for grain storage and drying.

President Unisame Zulfikar Thaver said  agricultural storage  systems are
urgently needed as due to climactic changes much damaged is caused to
crops due to unexpected rains.

AlBaraka Islamic Bank has offered to finance rice processors and exporters under Islamic mode of financing and suggested the small and medium sized rice exporters to avail finance under Ijara, Murabaha and Musharaka systems as per Shariah.

Wazir Ali Manager AlBaraka Islamic Bank in a meeting with the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) explained the salient features of Islamic banking and agreed to finance the members of Unisame if they fulfilled the criteria of providing financial statements of last 3 years showing profitability with proof of turn over and security acceptable to the bank.

The Conference on the foundation of the World Union of Small and Medium Enterprises will be held on 9thth – 10th November 2009 in the Republic of San Mario and hosted by C.E.S.A. Foundation, a SMEs supporting Organization in co-operation with the Republic of San Marino.

SMEs supporting Institutions have already received a personal Letter of Invitation to participate in the Conference hosted by the Republic of San Marino .

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has invited the attention of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani regarding the shortcomings of the Ministry of Industries and Production (MoI&P) which is out of perspective in SME promotion and development.
President Unisame, Zulfikar Thaver has urged the PM to remove the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) from the fold of MoI&P and place it under the cabinet division and enable it to have direct control of Smeda.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (Unisame) has informed Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani about the alleged shortcomings of the industries and production (I&P) ministry in the promotion and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME).

President Unisame urges SMEs to modernise their factories by availing the facilities offered by AlBaraka
KARACHI: AlBaraka Islamic Bank has offered to finance rice processors and exporters under Islamic mode of financing and suggested the small and medium sized rice exporters to avail finance facility under Ijara, Murabaha and Musharaka systems.

NEW DELHI: Basmati rice exporters fear any hike of minimum export price (MEP) and additional taxes on export of basmati rice in view of lower rice production in the Kharif season due to poor monsoon in the country could affect exports from India.The All India Rice Exporters Association wants the Government to treat basmati rice as a niche product contributing to the precious foreign exchange and demanded the Government to de-link the aromatic rice from the food security issue.“The exports markets have been developed over the last 25 years and any move to hike MEP would be detrimental to the exports,” VK Arora, President, All India Rice Exporters’ Association said adding basmati is not linked to the food security issue.

President Unisame Zulfikar Thaver said it is reported by growers that Sindh and Balochistan have managed to get a production of 3m ton of rice comprising of 2.5m tons long grain Irri 6 and Irri 9 and about 0.5m D 98 Basmati and Super Basmati and in Punjab and NWFP almost 3m tons of rice is expected comprising mainly of 1121, 386, KS 282 and Super Basmati.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (Unisame) has demanded setting up of SME Insurance and SME Fund for financing the SMEs. The union tried to drive the Prime Minister’s attention toward the issue that the SME Bank and its subsidiary the SME Leasing lack the resources to finance SMEs and the commercial banks are pursuing their own goals and not interested in financing SMEs without collaterals.

Registration and enforcement of Trade Mark (Brand/Logo), Copy Rights and Patents

KARACHI, Oct 9: The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (Unisame) has urged the ministry of commerce to amend the Trade Organisation Ordinance (TOO) to remove discrimination in membership rules for SMEs and large companies. 

President Unisame Zulfikar Thaver said in a statement that the ordinance had fixed different parameters for the big and small enterprises and this is against the Constitution of Pakistan. 

It is reported that the Director Trade Organisation (DTO) has advised trade bodies to have two types of memberships -- the associate and the corporate, but most of the associations are charging the same fee from both the category of members. 

This article gives an in depth look at what one can expect when considering breast augmentation surgery, including pre and post operative care, and safety information.

In this article I will lay out 5 thing you can do easy and for free to increase your customer loyalty and trust level in you and your products or services.

Many people are familiar with Sonic games. Sonic the Hedgehog is the blue mascot of Sega. He is known for his super speed and is very popular with video game players around the world.

The economy is down and it's hard to pay the bills! Learn how you can help yourself out of a financial pinch.

You may be classed as a high risk driver for many reasons and this can mean that you find it hard to get insurance, or at the very least to get insurance at a rate you can afford, but we all make mistakes and being classed as high risk may be something that is not your fault which is why high risk auto insurance companies will be able to give you insurance that you can afford.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has complained to the newly appointed Administrator of  Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP)  by the Secretary Ministry of Commerce (MINCOM)  that regular SME rice exporters members on renewal of  their membership have been classified as associate members merely because they are not holding sales tax registration which is not of much consequence in rice export except for those who claim rebate on packing material.

Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) in collaboration with Federal Board of Revenue, Training & Research Department is pleased to announce Training on “Concept of VAT & Practice”. This training is designed to enable the participants to gain clear understanding of Value Added Taxation System (VAT) and to gain acquaintance with the VAT system prevalent in different countries. It will also help to enhance the knowledge of the participants regarding VAT practice and procedure.

Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) in collaboration with Federal Board of Revenue, Training & Research Department is pleased to announce Training on “Concept of VAT & Practice”. This training is designed to enable the participants to gain clear understanding of Value Added Taxation System (VAT) and to gain acquaintance with the VAT system prevalent in different countries. It will also help to enhance the knowledge of the participants regarding VAT practice and procedure.

Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) in collaboration with Federal Board of Revenue, Training & Research Department is pleased to announce Training on “E-Filing of Sales Tax Return & Statements”. The training aims to provide exposure among the SMEs regarding E-filing of sales tax return & statements.

Small & Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), in collaboration with ACCA Pakistan and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) is pleased to announce a One-Day Training Program on “Accounting & Book Keeping” at Lahore. The program has been designed to equip the accounting professionals, especially from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their capabilities regarding the “Accounting & Book Keeping”, activities and their skills to manage day to day accounting operations.

Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) in collaboration with Federal Board of Revenue, Training & Research Department is pleased to announce Training on “Sales Tax Refund Claim”. This training is designed to equip the business community with clear understanding and knowledge about the Sales tax refund claim procedure.

Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) in collaboration with Federal Board of Revenue, Training & Research Department is pleased to announce Training on “Import & Export Documentation”. The workshop aims to provide training among the SMEs regarding documentation, procedures, regulations and registration for Import & Export.

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has urged the government to direct the sugar mills to release sugar to the SME merchants who are holding delivery orders enabling them to supply sugar to the retailers without any break.
President Unisame Zulfikar Thaver said there is sufficient sugar lying in warehouses but the stockists are withholding sales to benefit due to the increase in international price of sugar which has jumped to $525 per metric tonne and accordingly the landed cost of imported sugar would come to Rs55 per kilogram and even raw sugar is priced not less than $484 per metric tonne in international market.