PM Shehbaz Directs for Provision of Easy Financing to SMEs

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the vital role that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play in the development of the country’s economy and in boosting exports. He chaired a meeting in Islamabad to discuss governmental initiatives focused on the progress of SMEs.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister commended the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) for its efforts to support SMEs through initiatives like easy credit, digital financing, integration into the formal economy, and enhanced access to export markets. He expressed contentment with the roadmap designed by SMEDA and the Ministry of Industries, instructing them to deliver an implementation plan with clear, achievable targets within a set timeframe.

The Prime Minister urged commercial banks to facilitate SMEs by providing easy credit options. He suggested that processing sectors within agriculture should be classified under SMEs as well. Furthermore, he acknowledged the measures taken to involve women in SMEs and encouraged further efforts to enhance women’s access to easy loans and support for product exports.

The meeting was informed that SMEDA is executing 48 measures across eight strategic sectors as per the Prime Minister’s directives. The participants were also briefed on initiatives aimed at improving market access, investment opportunities, vendor profiling, SME databases, and training programs.