Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif yesterday instructed relevant authorities to speed up measures to ensure that banks and financial institutions provide easier access to loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
According to sources, these instructions were given during a high-level meeting held to review the business plan of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), aimed at promoting the growth of SMEs across the country. The Prime Minister highlighted the crucial role of SMEs in Pakistan’s economy, stating that their development could significantly boost the country’s export potential. He emphasized that small and medium-sized businesses form the backbone of the economy, and their growth offers vast opportunities to increase exports.
During the meeting, a detailed three-year roadmap for promoting SMEs was presented, outlining strategies to address key challenges facing the sector. The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of his Special Assistant on Industries, Haroon Akhtar, and SMEDA’s newly appointed Board of Directors, who designed the plan, calling it practical and effective.
Sources said the meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, Haroon Akhtar, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmad, Chief Secretaries of all four provinces, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as several senior officials. New members of SMEDA’s board and relevant institutional officers were also present.
