Using an integrated approach, this project developed environmental and enterprise management skills among owners and managers of SMEs, enabling them to reduce their pollution levels and improve workplace safety through application of low/no cost solutions. As a result of the project, SMEs have increased their profits through lower energy costs and waste reduction, achieved measurable reductions in air and water emissions, and created greatly improved environments for workers.
The project designed in collaboration with the Jiangsu Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (DOFTEC), the Jiangsu Environmental Protection Bureau (JEPB) and the Bureau of Township and Village Enterprises, Jiangsu Committee for Economics and Trade. Through partnership with the Nanjing University of Science & Technology (NUST), a new initiative was approved in late 2004 by CIDA to support the Jiangsu government's emphasis on food safety. FIT and NUST provided essential training in food safety testing and analysis for SMEs in this sector. A portion of the ERF was allocated to support the procurement of appropriate food analytical and testing equipment from a Canadian based supplier. The successful implementation of the Centre enabled Jiangsu to play a demonstration role for the rest of the country in supporting the SMEs in the food industry.
Cleaner Production
The project promoted the benefits of cleaner production and waste minimization and encourage investments in alternative technologies through demonstration and pilot projects designed to improve enterprise profitability and industrial environment. As a part of this mandate the local project office played a networking role by providing information to SMEs on modern and environmentally sound technologies used in Canada.
Business Collaboration
The local project office assisted Jiangsu SMEs to identify Canadian suppliers of modern environmental technologies. The office also provided business intelligence to Canadian companies, facilitating the promotion of their clean technology products and services.
Environment Revolving Fund
The Environment Revolving Fund (ERF) was originally a $5 million dollar loan facility equally funded by the Canadian International Development Agency and the Jiangsu Provincial Government. The ERF provided loans of up to $500,000 to eligible Jiangsu SMEs to procure environmental equipment and technologies from Canadian and Chinese sources. During years the ERF loan account was revolving reasonably well and the current balance at ERF account is sufficient to support the SME clients on a continuing basis. In late 2004, with the agreement from CIDA, the balance of Canadian contribution was transferred to be used in a new area that is within the current framework of project structure.
Enterprise Management Training
The project promoted training in enterprise management by enhancing the skills of local trainers at a variety of management development institutes affiliated with the project partners in Jiangsu province.
SMEEP included a large training of trainers (TOT) component, designed to build a core team of 80 local trainers. This group received intensive training in conducting environmental site audits, cleaner production and waste reduction strategies, workplace health and safety as well as training and coaching to build their consulting and training skills. This group of local trainers remains active, working through seven training centres established through the project. As well, an extensive series of training materials were developed and continue to be used by the training centres.