Haroon stresses coordinated efforts to resolve issues facing SMEs

LAHORE: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a high-level meeting regarding SMEDA clusters and the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in accessing international markets.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary for Industries and Production Asad Islam Mahni, CEO SMEDA, Nadia J Seth, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of various SME clusters.

During the meeting, representatives of SME clusters expressed serious concerns over visa-related issues faced while participating in international exhibitions. They highlighted that visa applications of SME representatives are often delayed, rejected, or remain pending, which hampers Pakistan’s effective representation at global platforms and limits the exposure of Pakistani products.

Addressing the concerns, Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among SMEDA, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve visa-related challenges. He directed that concrete measures be taken to facilitate SMEs in participating in international exhibitions and conferences.

The SAPM also proposed the establishment of a dedicated facilitation desk for SMEs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to streamline visa processing and address related concerns efficiently.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026