ISLAMABAD: The federal government has accelerated practical measures to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and has presented a comprehensive three-year roadmap to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aimed at promoting sustainable growth in the sector.
Furthermore, the chairing a high-level meeting on the business plan of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), the prime minister reviewed a detailed strategy outlining the development of the SME sector over the next three years.
The roadmap focuses on improving access to finance, increasing skills, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to play a stronger role in the national economy.
In this sense, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant authorities to further expedite the process of providing loans to entrepreneurs on easy terms. He focused on that removing delays and simplifying procedures would enable SMEs to contribute more effectively to economic stability, job creation, and export growth.
In such a case, the prime minister appreciated the efforts of Haroon Akhtar and the SMEDA Board for preparing what he described as a practical and realistic plan.
He noted that small and medium-sized businesses form the backbone of the country’s economy and have significant potential to generate employment and increase exports if given adequate support.
Moreover, the meeting was informed that several capacity-building initiatives have already been undertaken to support SMEs.
The training workshops have been organized in six major cities across the country to equip business owners with modern skills, improve management practices, and increase competitiveness in both local and international markets.
Meanwhile, the special attention was also given to increasing the participation of women in economic activities. The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed concerned departments to identify and remove existing obstacles in the provision of easy loans through immediate and effective measures.
He reasserted the government’s commitment to supporting SMEs through policy reforms, financial access, and skill development.
