KARACHI, October 30, 2026 — German development agency GIZ will support 300 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sindh to improve environmental compliance, reduce industrial pollution and encourage investment in cleaner business operations.
The initiative was discussed during a meeting between GIZ project director Julia Bazinova and Sindh Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development Faisal Ahmed Uqaili.
The programme will provide participating businesses with technical assessments, advisory assistance and support in accessing financing for environmentally sustainable investments.
It will also identify the specific environmental challenges faced by individual businesses and help develop practical approaches to meeting regulatory requirements.
The initiative is intended to improve compliance with environmental standards while helping smaller enterprises adopt more sustainable production methods.
During the meeting, Uqaili said the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) had a responsibility not only to enforce environmental regulations but also to guide businesses in meeting those requirements.
He emphasised the need for cooperation between regulators and industrial enterprises to identify workable solutions to environmental problems.
Officials also discussed closer coordination between SEPA and GIZ technical teams, including training for environmental monitoring personnel, improved monitoring and stronger laboratory capacity.
Uqaili said approximately 70% of the Environment Department’s processes had been digitised.
Bazinova highlighted the importance of technical advice and access to green financing in helping smaller businesses improve their environmental performance and meet international requirements.
For SMEs, the cost of upgrading machinery, improving waste management and adopting cleaner technologies can be a significant obstacle to environmental compliance.
Technical assistance and improved access to financial institutions could help participating businesses identify investments that reduce pollution while supporting their longer-term operations.
The initiative brings together regulatory guidance, business support and environmental improvements as Sindh seeks to encourage cleaner industrial activity.