The Prime Minister has⁢ directed financial institutions to accelerate the provision ‍of accessible loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs),recognizing their critical ‌role in​ Pakistan’s economic ⁤stability and​ future growth. This directive, issued on January 6, 2026, underscores a renewed commitment to bolstering the SME sector.

The initiative follows the presentation of a comprehensive three-year roadmap designed to promote SME development. ‍The plan, formulated with input from Special‍ Assistant ‌Haroon Akhtar and the newly elected board of directors of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda), addresses key challenges faced by these businesses and outlines strategies for increased export participation.

Acknowledging SMEs as “the backbone of the country’s economy,” the Prime Minister emphasized their potential to significantly ‍increase Pakistan’s export revenue. The roadmap details a plan of action ‌to ⁤overcome existing obstacles and integrate SMEs⁤ more effectively ⁤into global supply chains.

Recent efforts to enhance the capacity of domestic⁢ SMEs include a‍ series of workshops held in six cities across the country. These workshops ⁢aim to equip businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the international​ market. Moreover, ongoing collaboration with international partners is being leveraged ‍to improve the competitiveness of Pakistan’s SME sector on a global scale.

The government’s focus on SME development signals a strategic shift towards inclusive economic growth, ‌recognizing the sector’s potential to create jobs, drive innovation, and contribute ​to a⁣ more ⁣resilient economy.