Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hold significant potential to boost national exports and drive economic growth.
The Prime Minister made the remarks during a meeting on the SMEDA (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority) business plan, which laid out a three-year roadmap for promoting SMEs across the country.
Shahbaz Sharif lauded Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar and SMEDA’s newly elected board of directors for preparing a practical and effective plan. He emphasized that SMEs are the backbone of the economy, and strengthening them would enhance Pakistan’s export capacity.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed relevant agencies to facilitate easy financing for SMEs through banks and financial institutions. Officials were briefed on the challenges faced by SMEs, strategies to resolve them, and measures to integrate SMEs into export-oriented growth plans.
The meeting also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance global competitiveness of Pakistani SMEs through international collaboration, workshops in six cities, and training programs to prepare businesses for international markets.
Officials briefed participants on initiatives to encourage women’s participation in the SME sector, promoting greater inclusivity and growth.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Information Atta Ullah Tarar, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, chief secretaries from all provinces, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, and SMEDA’s new board members.
