Islamabad (Lord Media): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the provision of easy-term loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost the country’s exports. A meeting was held to review measures for promoting SMEs and increasing exports.
Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to enhance the capacity of SMEs by facilitating farmers in investing in the value addition of crops and fruits. He instructed commercial banks to introduce special loan products for SMEs.
He also directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to provide full guidance and support to industrialists in preparing business plans and other stages. The Prime Minister urged SMEDA to assist young and female entrepreneurs in establishing new industries.
During the briefing, it was informed that participation of 700 SMEs in 16 international trade exhibitions has been ensured to provide Pakistani SMEs access to global markets and increase exports.
The Prime Minister instructed the formulation of a comprehensive plan, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks, to simplify SME access to loans. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, and other senior officials.
