Steps being taken for SMEs’ promotion, SMEDA board revitalisation: Kayani

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kayani, stated on Sunday that on the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the government is taking concrete steps toward economic development, industrial stability, and the promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including restructuring and revitalizing the SMEDA board.

He emphasized that the government’s primary role is to facilitate and empower the private sector. Under this vision, Jhelum will be transformed into a thriving regional economic and commercial hub by leveraging its immense potential, high literacy rate, and peaceful environment.

He made these remarks while addressing as the chief guest at the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers of the Jhelum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI). The event was attended by President of Anjuman-e-Tajiran Malik Muhammad Iqbal, newly elected JCCI President Azhar Dar, Senior Vice President Abdul Ghafoor Butt, Vice President Nadeem Khan, former president Zahid Butt, executive committee members, local industrialists, members of the business community, and a significant number of women entrepreneurs.

Congratulating the newly elected leadership, the minister commended the vital role played by women in the business sector. He highlighted that SMEDA is extending comprehensive support to small enterprises, encompassing feasibility studies, industrial financing, and vocational training. He further noted that the Lahore–Rawalpindi Motorway project, passing through Kharian and Jhelum, is slated for completion within the next two to three years, unlocking substantial new avenues for industrial and commercial growth across the region.

The minister urged the Jhelum Chamber to draw inspiration from the unity of Sialkot’s business community and prepare a well-researched, fact-based working paper for a local industrial estate and associated ventures. He pledged that if the business community presents a viable feasibility within one month, he will personally oversee its progress and advocate for Jhelum’s interests before the State Bank of Pakistan, FBR, Ministry of Commerce, and other federal entities to ensure local manufacturing takes root and employment opportunities are created for the district’s youth.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026