PM seeks roadmap for SMEs, export industry support
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a comprehensive roadmap to support SMEs and industries, aiming to significantly boost Pakistan's exports and enhance economic growth through strategic measures and innovation.
- Government support for SMEs and export-oriented industries.
- Strategic measures to boost national exports and economic growth.
- Prompt tax refunds for exporters and promoting innovation.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the formulation of a comprehensive roadmap to provide government support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and industries deemed pivotal for enhancing the country’s exports.
Chairing a high-level meeting on strategies to increase national exports, the prime minister underscored the crucial role of export-oriented industries in achieving Pakistan’s broader development objectives.
“The government is committed to increasing exports and facilitating industries that contribute to national economic growth,” he said.
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He emphasised the need for strategic measures to promote new businesses and sectors that can further augment the country’s export potential.
Highlighting the importance of innovation and research and development (R&D), the PM noted that bolstering these areas would enhance the competitiveness of domestic products in the global market. In addition to promoting industry, Prime Minister Sharif directed that tax refunds be processed promptly for exporters, aiming to ease liquidity constraints and encourage higher productivity in export sectors.
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on strategies to enhance national exports, and the draft policy framework was reviewed in detail.
Participants were invited to share their perspectives and recommendations to refine the approach and ensure practical implementation.
The meeting was attended Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik, Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima, and Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kiani.
Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar and other senior officials also attended the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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