SME sector integration into global supply chain urged

January 11, 2025 (MLN): The SME sector must be integrated into the global supply chain to boost competitiveness, earn foreign exchange, and create jobs domestically.

This was demanded by Imran Mehmood Sheikh, Central Chairman of All Pakistan Bedsheet and Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA) on Saturday. 

While hailing the recent announcement of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in this regard, he said that some urgent, practical and SME centric measures are imperative to achieve this objective, as APP reported. 

He appealed the government to evolve a progressive strategy in consultation with the concerned stakeholders by offering necessary incentives and facilitations to this sector. 

He said that APBUMA was the biggest elected trade body of the SME sector with more than 400 members across the country. 

"It must be given due representation in SMEDA and other relevant federal and provincial departments so that it could contribute its productive role in resolving issues being faced by its members", he said.

The polices framed in consultation with SME sector could not only strengthen it on sustained basis but also play its role in enhancing national exports, he added. 

He further emphasized that the Prime Minister’s vision was unequivocally focused on transforming the SME sector into a key economic driver for exports. 

However, he highlighted the need for the government to take decisive action by instructing the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to ensure banks provide affordable loans. 

This measure would enable the SME sector to undertake aggressive research and development (R&D) initiatives, enhancing its competitiveness and securing a substantial share in global markets

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