Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan held a key meeting with representatives of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) clusters from Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Wazirabad.
The meeting focused on sectoral challenges, the role of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA), and ways to promote growth and exports in the SME sector.
SME representatives highlighted the cutlery sector’s struggle to access high-quality raw material, noting that handmade cutlery, despite its strong potential, is unable to compete with Chinese imports. They also pointed out that the lack of modern machinery and research and development is slowing the sector’s progress.
Officials and business leaders emphasized that exhibitions play a crucial role in boosting SME exports, but delays in visa processing are preventing many from participating in international trade shows.
Haroon Akhtar Khan assured full government support, saying all relevant institutions should assist SME clusters in research, development, and international representation. He instructed SMEDA to address visa issues urgently with the concerned embassies and urged the Trade Development Authority to provide complete facilitation for SMEs at exhibitions.
Highlighting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, he said SMEDA is organizing a national-level SME exhibition, calling on all SMEs to participate fully. He further urged the State Bank to provide working capital to SMEs, including those in the cutlery sector, and directed that issues with the Federal Board of Revenue and other institutions be resolved immediately.
The meeting also recommended greater collaboration with commercial attachés and the inclusion of relevant attachés in SMEDA committees to ensure continued support for SMEs.
