Kaizen Prepares to Launch Professional Communities in Pakistan
The Kaizen Company is in the process of launching the newest version of Professional Communities to support the USAID-funded and Chemonics International-led Pakistan FIRMS program (FIRMS). Final delivery of Professional Communities, called Sector Support Networks in the context of FIRMS, will enhance the regional and global competitiveness of Pakistani firms in targeted sectors and districts.
Professional Communities (PCs) provide in-person activities and web-based tools to support private sector professionals working in targeted sectors and districts to enhance their technical and business skills and to build strong private sector institutions. Pakistan FIRMS represents a new opportunity for The Kaizen Company to apply the PCs model to horticulture and agriculture sectors. Core components of services offered include access to peer support groups, access to international accreditations, and access to online information and resources of relevance and value to Pakistani professionals.
The Kaizen Company is also supporting local business development service providers (BDSPs) to design and deliver consulting services that better support companies in FIRMS’ targeted sectors and districts. PCs will not only provide professionals with access to valuable content and services, but also create opportunities for consulting firms to serve stakeholders across the value chain.
The Kaizen Company’s contribution to FIRMS will empower Pakistani institutions in a variety of ways. PCs will provide more competitive skills to Pakistani businesses, including women; improve compliance with international standards and certifications; enhance business enabling environments at the district, provincial, and national levels; make valuable business development services more widely available; increase trade between the US and Pakistan; and improve the capacity of Pakistani firms to compete in the global economy.
