PM directs SMEDA to formulate comprehensive strategy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to formulate a comprehensive strategy for financial assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and businesspersons across the country.

A review meeting on the initiatives of the SMEDA for financial assistance to SMEs and businesspersons was held today in Islamabad under the chairmanship of PM Shehbaz.

Ensuring business promotion, equal facilities, and uniform technical assistance in all regions of the country should be at the forefront of SMEDA’s institutional objectives, said PM Shehbaz.

SMEDA’s ongoing programs should be further expanded to ensure women’s participation in SMEs and businesses, he added.

Digital platforms should be effectively utilised to provide access to national and international trade markets for local businesspersons, he said.

The prime minister said SMEDA’s business promotion strategy should include as many regions and sectors as possible.

SMEDA should prepare a strategy comprising special measures to organise the production and trade linkages of agricultural commodities, he said.

The briefing revealed that SMEDA is developing an integrated strategy with relevant institutions, focusing on strengthening SMEs, building professional and technical capacity, and increasing exports of industrial products linked to small businesses.