Govt pushes tech-driven growth for SMEs

November 07, 2025 (MLN): The government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through technology, innovation and skill development, aiming to strengthen productivity, competitiveness, and inclusive economic growth.

This was emphasized by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan during a meeting with representatives of SME clusters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Industries and Production.

The meeting was also attended by Acting CEO SMEDA Ms. Nadia, Additional Secretary for Industries and Production, and the Director General to the SAPM.

Sharing the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Khan said that the government aims to align SMEs with modern technology to enhance efficiency and expand export potential.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif believes that small businesses are the backbone of economic growth, employment generation, and export promotion,” Khan stated, adding that the government is also focused on empowering women entrepreneurs to achieve inclusive development.

He noted that no country can achieve sustainable economic growth without strengthening its SME sector, and that the government is actively facilitating SMEs through banking partnerships and international collaborations to introduce global best practices.

Khan further highlighted Pakistan’s leading role in promoting SME cooperation among D-8 countries, reflecting its strong regional engagement.

The SAPM stressed that Islamic banking facilities, financial support, and funding mechanisms will further accelerate SME growth.

He said SMEDA will continue to provide technical assistance and technology upgradation to help local enterprises compete at both regional and global levels.

Praising the resilience of KPK’s SME sector despite multiple challenges, Khan directed SMEDA to enhance coordination with the provincial government for the establishment of new industrial estates.

He also instructed the deployment of engineers and designers to assist SMEs in product design, innovation, and value addition.

“The promotion of SMEs will strengthen Pakistan’s economy and create employment opportunities for the youth,” he added.

During the session, SMEDA informed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with Mobilink, enabling online bank registration for SMEs via smartphones, a key step toward business digitalization.

Representatives from the SME clusters urged greater government support for the furniture and honey sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing their strong export potential. Khan assured them that SMEDA will provide facilitation for honey production, processing, and packaging improvements to enhance quality and exports.

Copyright Mettis Link News