Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s industrial development is dependent on the growth of cottage and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He was chairing a meeting regarding the development of SMEs in Islamabad today.
The Prime Minister directed to ensure training for SMEs in rural areas for the processing of agricultural products. He said the registration of cottage industries should be encouraged so that they can easily obtain loans for business expansion. He said measures to increase women’s participation in small and medium enterprises are commendable.
He instructed to set a clear timeline for the implementation of SMEDA’s roadmap.
The meeting was briefed on the measures taken for the restructuring of SMEDA and the development of SMEs.
It was informed that offices have been opened in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan for the development of SMEs, which have been well received by the public and local chambers. A board comprising private sector experts has been formed for SMEDA, and the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer will be completed in the coming days.
The meeting was informed that a Womenpreneurship Platform is being established, which will be based on artificial intelligence, to encourage women in the SME sector, This platform will not only provide comprehensive information to women regarding business opportunities, but also assist in registrations, tax matters and skill awareness.
A roadmap was also presented in the meeting for bringing SMEs into the formal economy.