{
  "id": 7929063,
  "title": "PM Shehbaz orders small and medium enterprises support strategy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/pm-shehbaz-orders-small-and-medium-enterprises-support-strategy",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-17T02:23:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn Business",
    "slug": "dawn-business",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2030487/pm-shehbaz-orders-small-and-medium-enterprises-support-strategy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 17th, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) to devise a comprehensive strategy to provide financial assistance to SMEs and entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to enhance their capabilities and broaden their reach in global markets. During a meeting to address this matter, the prime minister emphasized that promoting entrepreneurship and ensuring equal facilities and uniform technical support across the nation should be among Smeda's primary objectives. Sharif directed that the current Smeda program targeting increased female participation in small and medium-sized industries should be further expanded. He also directed the use of digital platforms to provide local entrepreneurs with access to national and international commercial markets. Sharif stated that Smeda's strategy for business promotion should encompass as many regions and sectors as possible. Furthermore, he directed the authority to formulate a strategy that includes special measures to organize production and commercial linkages for agricultural commodities. The prime minister directed that equal emphasis should be placed on financial support for entrepreneurs, improvement of technical capacity, and provision of facilities.",
  "summary": "ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) to develop a comprehensive strategy to provide financial support to SMEs and entrepreneurs, aiming to boost their capacity and expand their access to global markets. While chairing a meeting on the matter, the prime minister directed that promoting entrepreneurship and…",
  "key_points": [
    "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered Smeda to create a strategy for SME support.",
    "Strategy aims to enhance SME capabilities and expand global market reach.",
    "Emphasis on expanding female participation and digital access for entrepreneurs."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The prime minister's directive signals a shift in focus towards comprehensive support for small and medium enterprises, aiming to boost their global market reach and promote nationwide entrepreneurship.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}