ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as engines of sustainable growth during the 8th Meeting of the D-8 Governmental Bodies on SMEs, held virtually.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, participated in the session, alongside Secretary of Industries and Production, Saif Anjum, and CEO of SMEDA, Suqrat Aman.
The Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), established in 1997, includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye. The body works to strengthen global economic positioning, expand trade opportunities, and enhance living standards through cooperation in agriculture, energy, industry, tourism, and SME development.
Since its creation in 2010, the *D-8 SME Governmental Bodies have worked on policies covering financing, e-commerce, technology transfer, industrial parks, and SME networking. A milestone was marked earlier this year with the launch of the D-8 SME Center in Abuja, Nigeria (2025), designed to serve as a hub for innovation, digital trade, and capacity-building.
In his address, Haroon Akhtar Khan said that under the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan is determined to transform SMEs into drivers of inclusive industrial growth. He pointed out that SMEs account for nearly 40% of GDP in developing economies making them crucial for job creation, innovation, and poverty reduction.
He noted that “SMEs are the backbone of our economy and the foundation for regional economic integration,” Mr. Khan stated. “Pakistan’s SMEs, particularly in textiles, surgical goods, IT, and sports sectors, are globally recognized, and we are determined to enhance their competitiveness.”
Highlighting persistent challenges, Mr. Khan noted that limited financing, technology gaps, and market access need urgent attention. “Through collective efforts, we can convert these barriers into opportunities,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to align SME policies with international standards while ensuring inclusivity and broad stakeholder engagement.
Meanwhile, Secretary Industries and Production Saif Anjum emphasized that the D-8 cooperation framework provides a vital platform for member states to integrate into global value chains, driving stronger regional collaboration and industrial growth.
The 8th D-8 Meeting concluded with all member states reaffirming the central role of SMEs in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The agenda also underscored the need to expand access to financing, boost digital transformation, promote environmentally friendly practices, and advance youth and women empowerment.
Pakistan, the Ministry stressed, remains steadfast in its resolve to advance regional economic diplomacy and elevate SMEs as the pillar of development and global competitiveness.
