Government Initiatives to Empower SMEs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, recently met with representatives from Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) clusters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). The meeting was attended by key officials including acting CEO of SMEDA, Ms. Nadia, Additional Secretary for Industries and Production, and the Director General to the SAPM.
During the discussion, Haroon Akhtar Khan shared the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He emphasized that the Prime Minister envisions aligning SMEs with modern technology to boost productivity and competitiveness. ‘Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif believes that small businesses are the backbone of economic growth, employment generation, and export promotion,’ he stated. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering women through entrepreneurship and skill development, aiming for inclusive economic progress.
Haroon Akhtar Khan pointed out that no country can achieve sustainable economic development without strengthening its SME sector. He assured that the government is facilitating SMEs through banks and collaborating with international consultants to introduce best practices. SMEDA informed the meeting that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with Mobilink, enabling online bank registration for SMEs through smartphones.
The meeting also discussed Pakistan’s role in promoting SME cooperation among D-8 countries. The SME representatives appreciated the Ministry of Industries and Production’s efforts and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan for their initiatives to uplift the SME sector.
Key Concerns Raised by SME Representatives
Representatives from the SME clusters emphasized the need for government support for the furniture sector in KPK. They also highlighted the immense export potential of the province’s honey industry. Haroon Akhtar Khan assured that SMEDA will extend facilitation for honey production and packaging improvements. He underscored that the provision of Islamic banking facilities, financial support, and funding mechanisms will ensure SME growth.
SMEDA, he said, will continue to provide technical assistance and technology upgradation to SMEs, enabling them to compete regionally and globally. Haroon Akhtar Khan praised the performance of SMEs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite numerous challenges. He directed that coordination with the provincial government be enhanced for the establishment of new industrial estates in the region.
He further instructed SMEDA to provide engineers and designers to assist SMEs in improving product design and value addition. ‘The promotion of SMEs will strengthen Pakistan’s economy and create employment opportunities for the youth,’ concluded Haroon Akhtar Khan.
Future Steps and Collaborations
The meeting concluded with several actionable steps aimed at supporting SMEs in KPK. These include:
- Enhancing coordination between federal and provincial governments to establish new industrial estates.
- Providing engineers and designers to help SMEs improve product design and add value to their offerings.
- Expanding access to financial services, including Islamic banking and funding mechanisms.
- Continuing technical assistance and technology upgrades to ensure competitiveness.
Haroon Akhtar Khan reiterated the importance of SMEs in driving economic growth and creating jobs. He encouraged SME representatives to leverage available resources and collaborate with government agencies to overcome existing challenges.