PM Shehbaz Directs Expansion of Financial Support for Small Businesses
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to expand financial and business support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Pakistan.
The prime minister called for wider coverage of SME support programmes, with greater access for businesses operating in different regions and sectors.
Focus on Wider Access for Entrepreneurs
During a review of SME-related initiatives, Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to ensure that entrepreneurs have improved access to financial assistance, business facilities and technical support.
The government’s recent SME initiatives have also focused on improving awareness of financing opportunities, financial literacy and access to business development resources, particularly in underserved areas.
SMEDA has been working with other government institutions to help small businesses understand financing requirements and prepare business plans and other documents needed to access formal funding.
Support for Women Entrepreneurs
The prime minister also called for greater participation of women in the SME sector.
SMEDA has been directed to expand programmes that can help women entrepreneurs access financing, training and business development services.
Recent cooperation between SMEDA and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme has specifically included outreach to women entrepreneurs and underserved communities. The initiative also covers training, financial literacy and guidance on financing applications.
Digital Platforms to Help Businesses Reach Global Markets
The government is also looking to increase the use of digital platforms to help Pakistani businesses connect with customers and markets inside and outside the country.
SMEDA has previously partnered with Alibaba to support digital trade and improve international market access for Pakistani SMEs.
Digital tools can also help entrepreneurs access business information, prepare proposals and explore financing and export opportunities.
Focus on Agricultural Products and Business Skills
Shehbaz Sharif also called for a dedicated strategy to strengthen production and commercial links for agricultural commodities.
Along with financial assistance, the government has emphasized the importance of improving entrepreneurs’ technical skills and providing the facilities required to establish and expand businesses.
SMEDA’s ongoing programmes include business development resources such as pre-feasibility studies, financial tools, business plan templates and training material to help entrepreneurs prepare viable financing proposals.
Officials Attend SME Review Meeting
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Jam Kamal and Ahsan Khan Cheema, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior officials, attended the meeting.
The government is continuing to coordinate with relevant institutions to expand support for SMEs, improve access to financing and help small businesses explore domestic and international markets.
