LAHORE - International Finance Corporation (IFC) - a subsidiary of UNO- has decided to initiate a series of training programs in Pakistan to develop and enhance skills of small and medium entrepreneurs in the areas like accounting and financing, said IFC representatives. Two-member delegation IFC held a meeting with Mr. Shahid Rashid, Chief Executive Officer, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to discuss a training project for SMEs in Pakistan. Ms. Kahadija Fahmy, team head along with Ms. Mary Porter represented the IFC in the meeting, which took place at SMEDA head office. Mr. Sultan Tiwana, GM Business & Sector Development Division, Mr. Iftikhar Hussain GM Central Support, Mr. Liaqat Ali Gohar, Senior Manager PR & Marketing and Mr. Imran Chaudhry, Manager, Donor Coordination and International Linkages accompanied SMEDA CEO on this occasion. Ms. Kahadija Fahmy, leader of the delegation informed that IFC had completed around 260 training programs successfully in Yemen, Jordon and other countries. They said that the program would enable them work in the formal sector more efficiently for curbing poverty and ensuring sustainable social and economic development. They disclosed that the IFC was looking for some good training companies to undertake this program. We will conclude selection of three professional agencies by November next to launch the program, she added. Earlier CEO SMEDA, Mr. Shahid Rashid appraised the delegation about role of SMEDA for developing SMEs in Pakistan. He said that apart from the regular services to be rendered by SMEDA for SMEs in planning, management, marketing and policy making at government level, 16 Common Facility Centers were being established by SMEDA under Public Sector Development Program. CEO SMEDA assured IFC delegation of the fullest cooperation of his organization in conducting training programs for SMEs in Pakistan.