New Delhi, Nov 8 (KNN) UNIDO, the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development, will focus on inclusive and sustainable industrialization through MSMEs in its activities in India during the next five years.

This was announced by René Van Berkel, UNIDO Representative in Regional Office in India at a stakeholders’ consultation recently.

The stake holders consultation was organised to discuss the country service framework of UNIDO for India during 2018-2022

At the session representatives of the leading Industry bodies, including FISME and other expert organisations participated and provided valuable inputs.

Opening the discussions Jaime Moll De Alba, officer in charge, department of regional programmes, UNIDO, Vienna, mentioned about the four thematic areas of the country framework.

Subsequently UNIDO country Head, Von Berkel made detail presentations on the targets and deliverables under the four thematic areas.

He mentioned that productive and resilient MSMEs are essential for a productive economy and employment growth and UNIDO will work on promoting innovation and skilling for MSMEs.

Under the second theme, focus will be on climate, resources and environmental solutions to preserve the environment.

Von Berkel’s next priority was on inclusive and responsible value chains and businesses to create jobs and generate income from industrial development.

UNIDO will also facilitate developing strategic policy for industrial transformation, mentions the draft country service framework.

Commenting on the service framework, FISME mentioned that while the focus on the thematic areas are well appreciated, UNIDO strategically should dovetail its activities  with the programmes and missions of the Government.

FISME also highlighted the need for UNIDO’s undivided attention to the MSME sector which can create employment and income at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

Other agencies present at the meeting mentioned about the challenges in reaching the vast MSME sector and replicate the good practices widely.

Specific programmes of different agencies which  need support from UNIDO were also mentioned.

A presentation on the challenges towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development was also made by Bernardo Calzadilla Sarmento, Director, Department of Trade, Investment and Innovation, UNIDO, Vienna, during the meeting. (KNN/DB)