LAHORE: In a joint statement marking International Labor Day 2025, key officials pledged comprehensive support to amplify employment and skill development opportunities for Pakistan's labor force within the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector. The initiative is aligned with the Prime Minister's SME development vision, which will be executed by the Ministry of Industries and Production through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA).

Haroon Akhtar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, highlighted the critical contributions of workers in Pakistan's industrial and commercial sectors. He emphasized the need to formalize the informal economy to safeguard workers' rights and enhance social protections. Akhtar noted that the Ministry is actively working to uphold workers' rights while expanding job prospects in the SME sector as part of the PM's vision.

Federal Secretary of the Ministry, Saif Anjum, announced the launch of the "Enterprise Formalization Project" in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO). This initiative aims to formalize the labor force, improve employability, and facilitate access to new job markets by equipping workers with skills needed for a just transition in response to climate change.

Socrat Aman Rana, CEO of SMEDA, reiterated the organization's commitment to overseeing the entire value chain of the SME sector, where labor plays a crucial role. He disclosed that SMEDA's development projects include capacity-building initiatives designed to equip the labor force with essential tools, training, and resources to compete in the job market. Rana pointed out that over 84 percent of Pakistan's workforce operates informally within the SME and home-based sectors, creating hurdles for businesses and workers. He expressed hope that the "Enterprise Formalization Project" would address these challenges, improving access to markets, financing, social protections, and skill development.