Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered more financial support for small and medium-sized businesses.
- SMEDA was instructed to expand programs and ensure equal access to business incentives.
- The strategy aims to strengthen production and commercial links for agricultural commodities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to provide more financial support to small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs across Pakistan.
The prime minister emphasized the need for the strategy to cover more regions and sectors, ensuring equal access to business incentives, facilities, and technical assistance.
He also ordered the expansion of SMEDA programs aimed at increasing the participation of women in small and medium-sized businesses, highlighting the importance of gender equality in the sector.
Shehbaz called for better use of digital platforms to help local businesses access national and international markets, underlining the potential of technology in boosting business growth.
The prime minister also highlighted the need for a dedicated strategy to strengthen production and commercial links for agricultural commodities, aiming to improve the overall economic landscape.
The meeting was informed that SMEDA was working with relevant institutions on a coordinated strategy to strengthen SMEs, increase exports linked to small businesses, and improve access to global markets.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Jam Kamal, Ahsan Khan Cheema, and State Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with other senior officials, attended the meeting.
The prime minister’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to supporting small businesses, which form a significant part of Pakistan’s economy.
