PM directs SMEDA to formulate comprehensive strategy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) with crafting a comprehensive strategy to provide financial assistance to SMEs and businesspersons nationwide. A review meeting on SMEDA's initiatives for financial aid to SMEs and businesspersons took place in Islamabad today, chaired by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister emphasized that SMEDA's institutional objectives should prioritize promoting businesses, ensuring equal opportunities, and delivering uniform technical assistance across all regions of the country. SMEDA's existing programs should be expanded to encourage women's involvement in SMEs and businesses, he added. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of utilizing digital platforms to grant access to national and international trade markets for local businesspersons.

SMEDA's business promotion strategy should encompass as many regions and sectors as possible, according to the Prime Minister. SMEDA should also devise a strategy with special measures for organizing production and trade linkages of agricultural commodities. The briefing indicated that SMEDA is currently developing an integrated strategy in collaboration with relevant institutions, with a focus on strengthening SMEs, enhancing professional and technical skills, and boosting exports of industrial products linked to small businesses.