PNN: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan chaired a meeting with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) and international consultancy firm AT Kearney to review a comprehensive business plan for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Members of Smeda board also participated in the meeting, where a detailed overview of the business plan was presented and discussed.
Speaking on the occasion, Haroon Akhtar stated that the SME business plan had been developed after extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, resulting in a complete and inclusive policy package. He emphasised that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of empowering SMEs “is now translating into reality”.
The special assistant highlighted that the business plan would ensure the formalisation of SMEs, enhance their productivity and unlock the immense potential of Pakistan’s SME sector. He noted that longstanding challenges such as limited access to credit, climate change impact and low productivity would be addressed on a priority basis through the new plan.
The PM aide reaffirmed that under the supervision of PM Sharif, the government was working to uplift the SMEs and strengthen their role in national economic development. He informed the meeting that a detailed presentation on the SME business plan had been finalised and would be presented to the prime minister in the coming days.
The business plan also includes special provisions to encourage and support women’s participation in SMEs, reflecting the government’s belief that women are a key driving force behind the economy.
“The SME business plan will span three years and its 100% implementation will be ensured,” said Akhtar.
Earlier, the government announced that it was implementing the National SME and Worker Formalisation Roadmap to pave the way for competitive economic growth by promoting stronger institutions, higher productivity and improved working conditions in the SME sector.
Describing the roadmap as a central pillar of Pakistan’s economic transformation, Haroon Akhtar said formalisation expands opportunities by improving access to finance, technology, export markets and decent work. With 44% of GDP remaining informal and millions of workers outside social protection, he emphasised the need for structural reforms aligned with modern supply chain expectations.