Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government has started working with international experts to help grow the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector, which he called the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.
He chaired a meeting to discuss ways to promote SMEs and stressed the importance of teamwork to connect Pakistani industries to the global supply chain.
During the meeting, the performance of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) was reviewed, along with its ongoing projects. The SMEDA board, formed under the Prime Minister’s instructions, has been meeting regularly.
Provincial governments are also preparing plans to support the growth of SMEs. Sindh and Balochistan have already completed their plans, while other regions, including Punjab, KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and AJK, are working on theirs. Additionally, the State Bank of Pakistan has made it easier for SMEs to access loans.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of cooperation between the federal and provincial governments to ensure the success of SMEs. He also highlighted the need to collect accurate data on SMEs across the country.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting small and medium businesses and ensuring that Pakistan’s participation in global trade grows. The government is dedicated to helping SMEs thrive and strengthen Pakistan’s economy.