International certifications and accreditations: SMEDA unveils new grant programme for small businesses

LAHORE: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has unveiled a new grant programme designed to help Pakistani small businesses obtain international certifications and accreditations, officials announced Wednesday.

The SME Certification and International Accreditation Grant Program will provide financial support to cover costs associated with obtaining internationally recognized certifications, enabling small and medium enterprises to compete in global markets and increase their export capabilities.

The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to formalize Pakistan’s informal business sector and strengthen the country’s export base. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan is overseeing the program’s implementation. “This program will bring small and micro-level enterprises operating in the informal sector into the formal economy, allowing them to access government incentives and reach international markets,” SMEDA sources stated.

Pakistan’s SME sector comprises approximately seven million establishments that contribute significantly to the national economy. These businesses account for 40 percent of the country’s GDP, create 78 percent of non-agriculture employment, and generate 30 percent of Pakistan’s exports. However, most operate on a small, undocumented scale with limited access to financing and international trade opportunities.

The new program specifically targets this gap by helping SMEs meet international compliance standards. SMEDA management has emphasized that applications will be processed transparently on a first-come, first-served basis. Start-ups and women entrepreneurs are particularly encouraged to apply through the streamlined application process. SMEDA has made expert consultancy services available to guide businesses in becoming export-ready, improving operational processes, and strengthening overall business capabilities.

To maximize the program’s impact, SMEDA is conducting awareness campaigns and seminars to educate SMEs about the benefits of international compliance and export development. The authority is also offering multiple support initiatives, including training grant programs, to make Pakistani businesses globally competitive.

Interested entrepreneurs can apply free of cost through the SMEDA website or the SME Registration Portal. SME experts believe the certification program will provide eligible businesses with crucial opportunities to meet international standards and compete effectively in global markets.

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