Govt to set up single-window desks for SMEs: Haroon
ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has said that the government was working to establish single-window desks at the provincial level to facilitate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Haroon Khan, during a meeting with the representatives of SMEs clusters of Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), also asked the chambers of commerce and industry of the three regions and SMEs stakeholders to provide their recommendations for the uplift of the relevant SMEs. The participants discussed in detail the regional challenges of the SME clusters; particularly, the issues related to logistics, value addition, financing, and infrastructure gaps.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), the chambers of commerce and industry of the three regions, and SME stakeholders. During the meeting, the representatives of all the chambers requested government support to promote Pakistan’s organic food sector and boost its export footprint.
He reaffirmed government’s SME loan scheme will be delivered to every eligible enterprise across the country. SMEDA’s role is critical, and all directions of the Prime Minister will be fully implemented, he stated. He added that increasing tourism in AJK would significantly contribute to the national economy.
Representatives from the Balochistan Chamber highlighted the urgent need for government attention to the province’s olive sector, which has vast potential.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan said that olive oil extraction and value addition can enhance both local and global market demand. He directed SMEDA to maintain close coordination with all provincial departments to ensure effective support for SMEs.
Representatives from the G-B chamber highlighted that the region is rich in natural resources and its SMEs deserve special attention. They highlighted that the shortage of warehouses and logistical constraints pose major challenges for business growth. They emphasised the need for SMEDA’s support in developing value-added products and establishing warehousing facilities. The chamber also pointed out the immense potential of GB in tourism, agriculture, and mining.
Haroon Akhtar directed SMEDA to work jointly with the GB’s chamber to prepare a feasibility report on warehouse development. He further stressed that the State Bank of Pakistan must play a key role in improving access to finance for SMEs.
The Mirpur Chamber of AJK informed the meeting that Mangla Dam offers a promising opportunity to boost fish exports, and SMEDA’s assistance is crucial in developing this potential.
They also stressed the need for a digital SME program for the AJK and highlighted difficulties faced by local SMEs in accessing loan schemes. The chamber noted that AJK’s walnuts, honey, and apples were highly demanded in local and international markets, but were also facing identical problems as the G-B SMEs sector is facing. They also emphasised the importance of providing skills to women entrepreneurs, particularly in fruit harvesting and startups.
SAPM emphasised that all stakeholders must fully support SMEs in Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, and Balochistan. He informed the participants that an SME Expo is being organised, and all clusters should actively participate. He further said that organic dates of Balochistan and organic wheat of AJK have huge potential in the international market.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025