Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to devise a detailed plan for providing financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs throughout Pakistan. This initiative aims to enhance their capabilities and facilitate access to international markets.

According to Union of Small and Medium Enterprises, the prime minister emphasized the importance of fostering entrepreneurship by ensuring equal facilities and technical support nationwide. During a review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sharif, the ongoing initiatives under SMEDA's guidance to bolster financial support for SMEs were assessed. He urged that the program for increasing women's participation in small businesses be expanded and that digital platforms be utilized for broader market access.

The prime minister further instructed SMEDA to cover a wide range of regions and sectors in its business promotion strategy, and to develop a plan for linking agricultural production with commercial markets. Emphasis was placed on providing financial backing, enhancing technical skills, and ensuring necessary facilities for entrepreneurs.

The briefing highlighted efforts to strengthen small industries in accordance with international best practices, focusing on boosting exports and facilitating global market access. SMEDA is collaborating with various institutions to implement an integrated strategy.

The meeting was attended by several ministers and government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, among others.