PM Shehbaz Directs Easier SME Loans to Boost Exports

ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to facilitate easier access to financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in an effort to strengthen Pakistan’s exports.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on SMEDA affairs in Islamabad on Tuesday, the prime minister emphasized the need to expand the capacity of SMEs and improve their contribution to the national economy.

Shehbaz Sharif instructed the authorities to provide farmers with greater awareness, facilitation and easier access to credit for processing agricultural produce and fruits, aiming to increase value-added exports.

The prime minister also called on commercial banks to introduce specialized financial products designed to meet the specific financing needs of SMEs. He directed that entrepreneurs should receive comprehensive support during feasibility studies and other stages of establishing and expanding their businesses.

He further instructed the relevant authorities to formulate a coordinated strategy with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and commercial banks to simplify and improve SME access to credit facilities.

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Highlighting the sector’s importance, Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for immediate measures to remove barriers hindering SME growth. He also directed SMEDA to actively support young entrepreneurs, particularly women, in setting up and growing their businesses.

During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on SMEDA’s ongoing initiatives. They informed participants that around 700 SMEs had taken part in 16 international exhibitions and business events this year to expand access to global markets and enhance exports.

The meeting was also told that business and financial management training had been provided to SMEs across 35 cities to strengthen their operational capacity and competitiveness.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar and senior government officials attended the meeting, while the chief secretaries of all four provinces and experts joined through video link.