Karachi: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has unveiled a series of new programs aimed at bolstering the sector’s export potential and broadening support mechanisms, including efforts to make SMEs more bankable and supportive of women entrepreneurs. This announcement was made during a productive meeting held at the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) headquarters.

According to Union of Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEDA’s CEO Socrat Aman Rana and key officials met with Union chief Zulfikar Thaver to discuss the integration of several initiatives that could reshape Pakistan’s economic landscape. The meeting focused on enhancing exports through a global SME Gallery, establishing facilitation centers, and promoting schemes like ‘Pay as you earn’ under asset-based Islamic financing for various assets including machinery and commercial properties.

Thaver highlighted the urgent need for affordable alternate energy solutions and technological advancement through partnerships with PCSIR and engineering consultants. He also advocated for a stronger integration of SMEs into economic planning and policy-making, emphasizing the role of SMEDA in facilitating SME farmers and promoting import substitution industries with the help of PCSIR.

The discussion further addressed the need for effective coordination between multiple stakeholders including SMEDA, the State Bank of Pakistan, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to foster a conducive environment for SME growth. Thaver expressed his gratitude towards the SMEDA team for their commitment to advancing the SME agenda and assured ongoing support for the implementation of these initiatives.