ILO-funded SME roadmap: Ministry set to provide coordinated framework

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Industries and Production is all set to provide a coordinated framework for taking forward International Labour Organization’s (ILO) funded National Roadmap for Small and Medium Enterprisers (SME) and worker formalization agenda forward to the government institutions and other stakeholders.

The implementation of the roadmap were reviewed at the third and final meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on SME and Worker Formalization held here under the chairpersonship of Humaira Zia Mufti, Additional Secretary (AD), Ministry of Industries and Production.

SMEDA, under the Ministry of Industries, has played a key role in supporting the formalization agenda through policy development, stakeholder consultations and practical initiatives aimed at helping SMEs move towards greater integration with the formal economy. These efforts are in line with the government’s broader vision of creating an enabling business environment, expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthening the contribution of SMEs to economic growth and employment.

Mufti appreciated the national roadmap and its contribution to the objectives of enterprise and worker formalization. She emphasized the importance of carrying forward the roadmap through coordinated institutional efforts so that the work undertaken during the project period could translate into practical and sustainable outcomes for SMEs and workers.

The meeting reviewed the achievements of the ILO-funded project, progress on the National Roadmap and the way forward following the completion of the project. The ILO formally announced the closure of the project on Sept 30, 2026, while its financial closure process remains underway.

Sheharyar Tahir, GM Policy and Ecosystem, SMEDA, presented the project’s background, extensive consultative process undertaken for development of the roadmap, implementation activities and the proposed way forward.

He highlighted the roadmap as a framework for coordinated action to facilitate enterprise and worker formalization, improve working conditions and support inclusive and sustainable SME development.

Naeem Ansari, ILO representative, briefed the participants on project’s achievements and its contribution to advancing the formalization agenda. He informed participants that all technical deliverables had been completed, including the development and launch of the National Roadmap which was approved by the TWG.

The national roadmap provides an implementation matrix for continued action by relevant government organizations and stakeholders. Its implementation will help translate the formalization agenda into practical measures that facilitate businesses, strengthen workers’ integration into the formal economy and promote more inclusive and sustainable SME growth.

The TWG meeting concluded with a shared understanding that the completion of the ILO-supported project should mark a transition towards sustained institutional action on SME and worker formalization.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026