Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday emphasized the crucial role of cottage and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in driving Pakistan’s industrial growth. Chairing a review meeting on the restructuring of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), he directed authorities to accelerate SME registration and ensure access to business loans for small entrepreneurs across the country.
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Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the development of cottage SMEs is directly linked to national industrial progress, as seen in many developed economies where small businesses supply raw materials to large industries. He urged officials to create a clear timeline for SMEDA’s roadmap and ensure its swift implementation to boost productivity and employment.
During the meeting, the prime minister appreciated SMEDA’s initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in business and called for greater awareness regarding such programs. He particularly stressed conducting specialized training sessions in rural areas to help small enterprises process agricultural commodities efficiently and add value to local produce.
Officials briefed the prime minister that SMEDA offices have now been established in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, earning positive feedback from the public and local chambers of commerce. They also informed him that a new SMEDA board consisting of private sector experts has been formed, while the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer will be finalized soon.
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The meeting also discussed several key initiatives, including an AI-powered Womenpreneurship Platform designed to assist women entrepreneurs with business registration, tax guidance, and skill enhancement. Furthermore, a roadmap for integrating SMEs into the formal economy was presented, marking a significant step toward empowering small businesses nationwide. Federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Dr. Musadik Malik, Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar attended the session along with senior officials.