ILO’s Sustainable Capacity Development Program Boosts Productivity and Workplace Relations

ILO hosted the Final Presentations and Certificate

Distribution Ceremony for enterprises

participating in SCDP in Sindh

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The International Labour Organization (ILO) hosted the Final Presentations and Certificate Distribution Ceremony for enterprises participating in the Sustainable Capacity Development Programme (SCDP) in Sindh. The event recognized 15 local enterprises that completed the programme successfully, showcasing their achievements in improving productivity and workplace relations.

About the ILES Project

The SCDP is part of the International Labour and Environmental Standards Application in Pakistan’s SMEs (ILES) project, funded by the European Union. The initiative aims to foster sustainable and inclusive growth in Pakistan by enhancing compliance with international labour and environmental standards. The project, a collaboration between the ILO and WWF, focuses on boosting the competitiveness of textile and leather sector enterprises in Pakistan.

Programme Highlights

The SCDP has involved enterprises from the textile and ready-made garments sectors. These businesses committed to improving workplace cooperation, quality management, lean production techniques, and productivity. Key achievements include:

• Reduced Defect Rates: Improvements in production lines led to fewer defects.
• Better Working Conditions: Enhanced adherence to occupational health and safety standards.
• Increased Productivity and Quality: Boosted output and product quality.
• Higher Labour Retention Rates: Improved worker retention and satisfaction.

These advancements resulted in significant financial gains for the businesses, increased worker incomes, and better worker-management relations. The programme has been instrumental in helping enterprises stay competitive in both local and international markets.

Event and Impact

The ceremony featured managing committee members from PRGMEA and PHMA, as well as top management from the participating enterprises. The SCDP initiative supports key sectors in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Faisalabad. It aims to maximize the benefits of international trade agreements such as GSP+ by integrating labour standards compliance and environmental best practices.

Looking Ahead

The SCDP’s success in Sindh follows the achievements of enterprises involved in ILO’s SCORE programme. Both initiatives contribute to creating a more sustainable, competitive, and responsible industrial sector in Pakistan. The ceremony celebrated the progress of the SCDP programme and its role in fostering improved working conditions and environmental sustainability.