(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Pioneering work on the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO’s) new Country Program for Sri Lanka 2020-’24 commences today (January 24) in Colombo.
“UNIDO interventions have a long history of industrial value chain development and improved quality infrastructure of Sri Lankan products. The new country program is based on industry and innovation related Sustainable Development Goals called SDG 9 framework,” said Sri Lanka UNIDO Focal Point National Director Nawaz Rajabdeen on 23 January.
UNIDO National Director Rajabdeen was in discussions with the visiting high level UNIDO team to Colombo which will commence work on the new UNIDO Sri Lanka Country Programme 2020-2024 (UNIDOSLCP) on 24 January.
Chief of Regional Division of Asia Pacific-UNIDO Vienna International Centre Ralf Bredel, Senior Research and Industrial Policy Officer-UNIDO Vienna International Centre Dr Anders Isaksson and UNIDO Representative, Regional Office-India Rene Van Berkel are now in Colombo to formulate the UNIDOSLCP ‘20-’24.
“Shaping Sri Lanka’s new industrial policy based on the requests and requirements of local industries, adopting green concepts and industrial safety are the pillars of new UNIDOSLCP ‘20-’24” said UNIDO Representative, Regional Office-India Rene Van Berkel and added: “This is a major support intervention for Sri Lankan industry sector since the last Country Programme successfully closed in 2015. The new program is the first such program for Sri Lanka that involves inclusive and sustainable industrial development.”
“Countries in the world are designing their development programs around UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ‘SDG 9 framework’ is the Industry related SDG and the new UNIDOSLCP ‘20-’24 work will be created with SDG 9 and local industry needs in mind” stressed Chief of Regional Division of Asia Pacific-UNIDO Vienna International Centre Ralf Bredel, and added: “SDGs are the global goals for our own survival. With SDG 9 Framework, Sri Lanka will begin integrating international industry best practices.”
UNIDO National Director Rajabdeen stressed of the success of many UNIDO programs and their contribution to Sri Lankan economy. “Among many UNIDO interventions here, Strengthening the Trade Competitiveness of SMEs, Bamboo Processing, Cinnamon Value Chain Mapping and Environment Management on PCB Waste, are four major UNIDO projects that enhanced the local industries.
The new UNIDOSLCP ‘20-’24 whose work commences on 24 January shall closely assess the needs of local industries and will launch focused projects for them. We expect to finalize all local industry consultations by May 2020.”
