Islamabad: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed that a comprehensive strategy be formulated, in coordination with the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks to improve Small and Medium Enterprises’ access to financing.
PM Shehbaz Sharif was chairing a review meeting on Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) in Islamabad.
The Prime Minister stressed that greater facilitation should be provided for extending loans to SMEs to boost the country’s exports.
PM Shehbaz Sharif directed that support be provided to enhance the capacity of SMEs, particularly by creating awareness and facilitating access to loans for farmers engaged in the processing of agricultural produce and fruits.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said commercial banks should be encouraged to develop dedicated financial products for lending to SMEs.
The Prime Minister further instructed that SMEs be assisted in preparing feasibility studies and provided support at other stages.
He emphasized that urgent measures are needed to remove obstacles hindering the growth of the SME sector.
The Prime Minister also directed SMEDA to assist young entrepreneurs, including women entrepreneurs, in establishing small and medium-sized enterprises.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed commitment to making Pakistan polio-free. During a meeting with the seven-member delegation of Polio Oversight Board in Islamabad on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that polio eradication remains a top national priority and urged all stakeholders to further intensify their collective efforts.
The Prime Minister thanked all development partners for their continued cooperation with Pakistan in the fight against polio.
He said the government is taking every possible measure to protect the future of Pakistan’s children from the crippling disease of polio.
The Prime Minister directed the authorities to adopt a focused and effective strategy for polio hotspots in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The delegation appreciated the government’s effective measures towards achieving a polio-free Pakistan.