ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to facilitate the provision of easy loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost the country’s exports . Chairing a high-level review meeting on SMEDA’s performance, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to enhance the capacity of SMEs and provide special facilitation, awareness, and easy credit to farmers for the processing of agricultural commodities and fruits .
The Prime Minister called for encouraging commercial banks to design specialized financial products tailored specifically for the credit needs of SMEs and directed comprehensive assistance for SMEs during the preparation of feasibility studies and other stages . He stressed that urgent measures are needed to eliminate hurdles in the growth of SMEs and that SMEDA must actively support young entrepreneurs, including women, in establishing their own small and medium businesses .
Key SME Initiatives: The meeting was briefed on various initiatives taken by SMEDA to facilitate the sector, including the participation of 700 SMEs in 16 international events this year to enhance their access to global markets and boost exports. Business and financial management training was also provided to SMEs across 35 cities .
The Prime Minister directed the relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and commercial banks to streamline and improve SMEs’ access to credit . The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and senior officials, with chief secretaries from all four provinces participating via video link.
