PM Directs Quick Loan Access For SMEs

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed financial institutions to speed up loan facilities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He praised officials for preparing a practical roadmap and highlighted the sector’s importance in boosting exports.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on banks and financial institutions to accelerate the process of providing loans to small and medium enterprises on easier terms. Chairing a meeting on Monday, he described SMEs as “the backbone of the country’s economy” and stressed their potential to expand Pakistan’s exports.

The premier commended Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar and the newly elected board of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) for presenting what he termed a practical plan. A three-year roadmap was shared, outlining strategies to address challenges faced by SMEs, expand their role in exports, and strengthen their competitiveness internationally.

Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing initiatives, including workshops held in six major cities to build SME capacity. The plan also emphasized enhancing cooperation with foreign partners to showcase Pakistan’s SME sector globally.

PM Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs through easier financing and reforms, saying these measures would help sustain growth and ensure SMEs play a stronger role in the national economy.