Govt committed to empowering SMEs through technology: Haroon
ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan said here on Friday that the government was committed to empower Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through technology and innovation.
The special assistant was speaking at a meeting with representatives of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) clusters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) here, according to press release issued by Ministry of Industries and Production. Among others, the meeting was also attended by Acting CEO SMEDA Ms. Nadia, Additional Secretary for Industries and Production, and the Director General to the SAPM.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif believes that small businesses are the backbone of economic growth, employment generation, and export promotion,” he said, emphasizing that the Prime Minister was committed to empowering women through entrepreneurship and skill development to achieve inclusive economic progress.
Khan noted that no country can achieve sustainable economic development without strengthening its small and medium enterprises. He said the government was facilitating SMEs through banks and collaborating with international consultants to introduce best practices. Haroon highlighted that Pakistan was playing a leading role in promoting SME cooperation among D-8 countries. He also underscored that the provision of Islamic banking facilities, financial support, and funding mechanisms will ensure SME growth. SMEDA, he said, will continue to provide technical assistance and technology upgradation to SMEs, enabling them to compete regionally and globally.
He praised the performance of SMEs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite numerous challenges and directed that coordination with the provincial government be enhanced for the establishment of new industrial estates in the region. He further instructed SMEDA to provide engineers and designers to assist SMEs in improving product design and value addition. “The promotion of SMEs will strengthen Pakistan’s economy and create employment opportunities for the youth,” he added. APP
