SMEDA initiates series of Consultative Sessions

Lahore: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has initiated a series of Consultative Sessions with stakeholders of SME sectors across the country to compile SME related recommendations for Federal Budget 2022-23.

Completing a comprehensive session with Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the country the other day, an online session with the trade and industrial associations was held today at SMEDA Head Office to solicit sector specific recommendations, which was conducted by Ms. Nadia Jahangir Seth, General Manager SMEDA on Policy and Planning Division. The session was widely participated by the trade bodies representing various sectors including; Textile, Readymade Garments, Leather, Chemicals, Fisheries, Footwear, Printing & Text Book Board, Gems and Jewelry, Furniture, Mining, Pharmaceutical, Cutlery, Light Engineering, Tea, and PVC Pipe manufacturers

During the session, participants recommended measures for supporting SMEs including simplification of taxation procedures, relaxation of custom duties and tariffs for machinery and raw material, removal of tax anomalies and double taxation, facilitation for improving SMEs’ access to finance, support to enhance SME’s access to local and international markets, infrastructure development, skill development and provision of testing facilities.

On this occasion, Ms. Nadia Jahangir Seth, General Manager Policy & Planning Division apprised the participants of developments being made in the SME sector through the recently launched National SME Policy 2021. She also highlighted the significance of SME sector stakeholders’ input for developing recommendations for Federal Budget 2022-23. Mr. Javed Afzal, Provincial Chief, SMEDA Regional Office Punjab and Mr. Liaqat Ali Gohar, Media Consultant of SMEDA were also present on this occasion.

It is notable that each year, SMEDA conducts a round of consultative sessions with SMEs, Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Trade Associations and other stakeholders for obtaining necessary suggestions / inputs which are instrumental in supporting SME growth and consideration of the government while formulating the Federal Budget. In this context, SMEDA has also invited proposals from the SMEs for Federal Budget 2022-23 on issues pertaining to SMEs in the areas of fiscal measures, taxation, tariffs, customs, export promotion and regulations.
Next session of this series would be held with Women Chambers and Women Owned Businesses on 22nd February, 2022.