The government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through technology, innovation, and skill development, aiming to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and inclusive economic growth across Pakistan. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized this during a meeting with representatives of SME clusters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Industries and Production. The session was attended by Acting CEO of SMEDA Ms. Nadia, the Additional Secretary for Industries and Production, and the Director General to the SAPM.
Khan highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to align SMEs with modern technology and innovation, enabling greater efficiency, improved export readiness, and integration with global supply chains. He described small businesses as the backbone of economic development, employment generation, and export promotion, stressing that inclusive growth can only be achieved by empowering entrepreneurs across the country, particularly women-led enterprises. Khan noted that sustainable economic progress depends on strengthening the SME ecosystem, which the government is supporting through partnerships with financial institutions and international collaborators to introduce global best practices in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s leadership in fostering SME cooperation among D-8 member countries was also underlined, reflecting its growing engagement in regional economic collaboration. The SAPM pointed out that Islamic banking facilities, new funding mechanisms, and financial inclusion initiatives are being expanded to accelerate SME growth. He stated that SMEDA will continue to offer technical assistance and support technology upgradation so that small and medium enterprises can compete both regionally and internationally. Praising the resilience and innovation of the KPK SME sector despite multiple challenges, Khan directed SMEDA to enhance its coordination with the provincial government for the establishment of new industrial estates designed to facilitate sectoral growth.
To support innovation and quality enhancement, Khan instructed that engineers and product designers be deployed to assist SMEs with product development, innovation, and value addition. He emphasized that promoting SMEs will not only boost Pakistan’s economy but also create meaningful employment opportunities for the youth. During the meeting, SMEDA announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mobilink, enabling SMEs to complete online bank registration directly through smartphones, marking an important step toward business digitalization and formalization. Representatives from SME clusters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa requested greater government support for sectors such as furniture and honey, both of which possess strong export potential. Khan assured that SMEDA will provide facilitation for honey production, processing, and packaging to improve quality standards and strengthen exports from the region.
By advancing digital tools, enhancing industrial infrastructure, and supporting small businesses with financial and technical resources, the government aims to drive sustainable, tech-enabled economic growth led by Pakistan’s resilient SME community.
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